If you want to learn how to say please in Italian, you’re in the right place. In Italian, using polite words is very important, and “please” is one of the most useful phrases you’ll need. Whether you’re traveling, talking to locals, or learning the language for fun, knowing how to say “please” helps you sound respectful and friendly. It also makes conversations smoother and shows good manners. With just a few simple phrases, you can speak more naturally and confidently in Italian.
Knowing how to say please in Italian is essential for polite conversations, making requests, and showing respect. The most common phrase is “Per favore”, but there are multiple ways to express politeness depending on context and tone.
Say Please in Italian with Examples
Let’s explore 15 ways to say please in Italian, complete with origins, examples, and practical usage.
1. Per favore
Origin: The standard way to say “please” in Italian.
Example:
👤 A: Mi passi il sale?
👤 B: Certo, per favore.
Use: Universal polite request.
2. Per cortesia
Origin: Formal version of “please,” literally means “as a courtesy.”
Example:
👤 A: Mi può aiutare?
👤 B: Per cortesia.
Use: Formal requests in professional or polite situations.
3. Ti prego
Origin: Informal, literally “I beg you.”
Example:
👤 A: Aiutami con questo problema.
👤 B: Ti prego!
Use: Casual, emotional, friendly context.
4. La prego
Origin: Formal version of ti prego, used for elders or strangers.
Example:
👤 A: Mi aiuti, per favore?
👤 B: La prego.
Use: Polite, respectful.
5. Per piacere
Origin: Another common way to say “please,” literally “for pleasure.”
Example:
👤 A: Passami il pane, per piacere.
👤 B: Ecco.
Use: Polite and casual, friendly tone.
6. Volentieri
Origin: Means “gladly” but can soften requests politely.
Example:
👤 A: Puoi aiutarmi?
👤 B: Volentieri.
Use: Shows willingness while being polite.
7. Se non ti dispiace
Origin: “If you don’t mind,” polite and indirect.
Example:
👤 A: Puoi chiudere la finestra, se non ti dispiace?
👤 B: Certo!
Use: Polite, indirect request.
8. Se è possibile
Origin: “If possible,” used to politely ask.
Example:
👤 A: Puoi consegnarmi il documento, se è possibile?
👤 B: Va bene.
Use: Formal, professional or polite.
9. Se puoi
Origin: “If you can,” casual, polite.
Example:
👤 A: Chiudimi la porta, se puoi.
👤 B: Certo!
Use: Friendly, informal.
10. Ti sarei grato/a
Origin: “I would be grateful,” polite and formal.
Example:
👤 A: Ti sarei grato se mi aiutassi.
👤 B: Con piacere.
Use: Formal, respectful request.
11. Sarebbe gentile da parte tua
Origin: “It would be kind of you,” polite.
Example:
👤 A: Sarebbe gentile da parte tua passarmi il sale.
👤 B: Certo!
Use: Polite, formal.
12. Mi faresti il favore di…
Origin: “Would you do me the favor of…”
Example:
👤 A: Mi faresti il favore di aprire la finestra?
👤 B: Con piacere.
Use: Polite, friendly, and respectful.
13. Ti dispiacerebbe
Origin: “Would you mind…”
Example:
👤 A: Ti dispiacerebbe aiutarmi?
👤 B: Non c’è problema.
Use: Polite, indirect request.
14. Mi puoi aiutare, per favore?
Origin: Combines “can you help me?” with per favore.
Example:
👤 A: Mi puoi aiutare, per favore?
👤 B: Certo!
Use: Polite, everyday request.
15. Se non è un disturbo
Origin: “If it’s not a bother,” very polite and considerate.
Example:
👤 A: Mi dai una mano, se non è un disturbo?
👤 B: Volentieri.
Use: Polite, formal or informal, shows respect.
FAQs
- What is the most common way to say please in Italian?
→ Per favore - Is there a formal version of please?
→ Yes, Per cortesia, La prego - How do you say please in a casual or friendly way?
→ Ti prego, Per piacere, Se puoi - How do I politely make a request indirectly?
→ Se non ti dispiace, Se è possibile, Ti dispiacerebbe - How do you show gratitude while asking politely?
→ Ti sarei grato/a, Sarebbe gentile da parte tua - Can I combine “help me” with please?
→ Yes, Mi puoi aiutare, per favore? - Is “Volentieri” used to politely agree?
→ Yes, it shows willingness politely. - How do I politely ask if it’s not inconvenient?
→ Se non è un disturbo - Can “Per piacere” be used in formal situations?
→ Mostly casual but still polite. - Are all these phrases commonly used in Italy?
→ Yes, all 15 expressions are widely understood and used.
Conclusion:
Learning how to say please in Italian is a small step that makes a big difference in how polite and confident you sound. These simple phrases help you connect with people, show respect, and communicate smoothly in everyday situations. Keep practicing them, and soon they’ll feel natural every time you speak Italian. With time, you’ll start using them automatically in real conversations. And the more you use them, the more natural your Italian manners will become.
