The quick answer: prego (PREH-goh) literally means “I pray / I ask” — but in real life it’s Italy’s five-in-one word: you’re welcome, come in, after you, how can I help, pardon? One word, five superpowers. Hear the whole family below. 👇
Prego!
PREH-goh · you’re welcome (and four other jobs)
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Prego and its polite cousins
| Italian | Say it like | Use it when… | Listen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prego | PREH-goh | you’re welcome / come in / after you | |
| Di niente | dee NYEN-teh | “it’s nothing” | |
| Figurati! | fee-GOO-rah-tee | “don’t mention it!” — friends | |
| Si figuri! | see fee-GOO-ree | the formal “don’t mention it” | |
| Non c’è di che | nohn cheh dee keh | “no need to thank” | |
| S’accomodi! | sahk-KOH-moh-dee | “make yourself comfortable / take a seat” | |
| Dopo di Lei | DOH-poh dee lay | “after you” — elegant, formal |
💡 Pronunciation tip: PREH-goh, with a rolled r if you can — but the real secret is the open-handed gesture that goes with it. Prego without the hands is only half the word.
The five faces of prego
You say grazie — they say prego (you’re welcome). You knock — prego! (come in). You reach the door together — prego with a hand-sweep (after you). You approach the counter — “Prego?” (what would you like?). You mumble — “Prego?” rising (pardon?). Learn one word, receive five.
🇮🇹 The grazie-prego waltz: in Italy, thanks and its reply form a closed loop as automatic as breathing — grazie floats over the counter, prego floats back, and both parties feel the day got slightly better. It’s the smallest beautiful transaction in Europe.
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Practice: quick check
1. You thank the barista for your espresso…
Prego! — comes back before the cup touches the saucer. The waltz completes itself.
2. Your Italian friend thanks you for a small favor…
Figurati! — “don’t even mention it!” — the friendly form that sounds instantly local.
3. An elderly signora reaches the door when you do…
Prego, dopo di Lei. — “after you” — formal, gracious, and she will tell her family about you.
Frequently asked questions
What does prego actually mean?
Prego is Italian’s five-in-one word: “you’re welcome” after grazie, “please, come in”, “after you”, “how can I help you?” in shops, and “pardon?” with a rising tone. Context does all the work.
Why do Italian waiters say prego?
When a waiter or shopkeeper says “Prego?” they mean “how can I help you? / what would you like?” It’s the service-Italian opener — answer with your order and a grazie.
How do I reply when someone says prego to me?
Usually nothing is needed — prego IS the reply (to your grazie). If someone says prego to usher you through a door, a smile and grazie completes one of Italy’s politest little loops.