The 5 Essential Ways to Sound Like a Local

Jim asks: “What's the best way to say ‘please' in Italian? or… Should I use ‘per favore' or ‘per piacere'?“

Well, it actually depends on the context! To clear up the confusion, we’re going to look at 5 different ways to say “please” in Italian – mastering these will instantly give your vocabulary that 100% local vibe.

Best Way to Say “PLEASE” in Italian -

CASE 1 – When making a request

The 3 most common expressions to say “PLEASE” are:

  • PER FAVORE
  • PER PIACERE
  • PER CORTESIA

They are all interchangeable.

While per cortesia tends to be on the more formal side – making it perfect for interactions with strangers or older people – the real dilemma usually comes down to per favore and per piacere.

For English speakers, I often suggest sticking with per favore as a starting point. It shares a striking similarity with the Spanish por favor, which most people are already familiar with, making it super easy to remember. At the end of the day, though, whether you choose one or the other, the most important thing is simply that you are making a polite request!

▷ SOME EXAMPLES

MI FA UN CAFFÈ, PER FAVORE?
Could you please make me a coffee?

MI PUOI DARE UN PASSAGGIO, PER PIACERE?
Can you give me a ride, please?

PER CORTESIA, SI SIEDA.
Please, sit down.

Best Way to Say “PLEASE” in Italian -

Case 2 – Accepting an offer

In English, we often use the word please when accepting an offer. For example, if someone asks, “Would you like bread with your salad?” you would naturally reply, “Yes, please“.

However, this logic doesn't work in Italian. When you are accepting an offer in Italy, you actually need to say thank you (sì, grazie) instead of please. Using per favore (please) in this context sounds unnatural to native ears, so always remember to thank them for the offer rather than asking for it!

▷ SOME EXAMPLES

A) SE VUOI POSSO DARTI UN PASSAGGIO… (If you want I can give you a ride…)
B) SÌ, GRAZIE! (Yes, please!)

A) LE PORTO IL DESSERT? (Shall I bring you dessert?)
B) SÌ, GRAZIE! (Yes, please!)

A) VUOLE DEL PANE CON L'INSALATA? (Would you like some bread with salad?)
B) SÌ, GRAZIE! (Yes, please!)

Best Way to Say “PLEASE” in Italian -

Case 3 – When making an invitation / concession

On the other hand, when you are the one inviting someone to do something, or simply giving them permission – like welcoming them to come through a door, sit down, or place their order – you would use a completely different expression: prego. In these contexts, it essentially acts as a polite way of saying “go ahead” or “be my guest“.

▷ SOME EXAMPLES

PREGO, ENTRI!
Please, come in!

PREGO, MI DICA!
Please, tell me!
(usually used by shopkeepers to invite the customer to place their order or make their request)

Prego is the appropriate word to use whenever you would say “please” in English, particularly in the context of making an invitation or concession.

Best Way to Say “PLEASE” in Italian -

“Hold on a minute, Manu… I know the word prego!“

And you are absolutely right! Prego is also the exact expression we use to respond when someone says grazie (thank you) to us. It’s the same Italian word, but it fits into completely different scenarios and translates differently in English depending on the context.

This kind of crossover happens a lot across languages. The best thing we can do is simply take notice of these nuances and start using the “tricky” expression in real life, rather than fighting to figure out how it's even possible!