How to Respond to "Grazie" in Italian: Prego, Figurati, and More
Learn the natural Italian replies to grazie and prego, from formal prego to friendly figurati, with pronunciation, register tips, and a short dialogue.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
When someone says grazie to you in Italian, the most common reply is prego. But prego is not the only option: the right choice depends on formality, region, and how close you are to the person. This lesson gives you the direct answer first, then shows you exactly when to use prego, figurati, and other natural responses. You will also learn what to say when someone says prego to you, so you can keep the exchange flowing politely.
By the end, you can…
- respond appropriately to grazie in both formal and informal situations.
- recognize and reply naturally when someone says prego to me.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Prego.
You're welcome.
PREH-goh
The standard, safe reply to grazie in almost any situation, formal or informal. It can also mean 'please, go ahead' or 'after you' in other contexts.
Figurati.
No problem / Don't mention it.
fee-GOO-rah-tee
Informal, friendly reply used with people you know well: friends, family, peers. It literally means 'imagine it' and feels warm and modest.
Si figuri.
You're welcome (formal).
see FEE-goo-ree
The formal version of figurati. Use it with strangers, older people, or anyone you address with Lei. It sounds polite and slightly deferential.
Non c'è di che.
There's no need to thank me / Don't mention it.
non cheh dee keh
A polite, slightly more formal alternative to prego. It works in both formal and informal contexts, but is less common in casual chat.
È stato un piacere.
It was a pleasure.
eh STAH-toh oon pyah-CHEH-reh
Use when you have actually done something for someone and want to emphasize that you enjoyed helping. Common in service or professional contexts.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is simple: when someone says 'Grazie', you reply with a short set phrase. The most neutral is 'Prego'. For informal situations, 'Figurati' works like English 'No problem'. For formal situations, 'Si figuri' or 'Non c'è di che' are safe. Example exchange: A: 'Grazie mille!' B: 'Figurati, è stato un piacere.' Notice that you can combine two responses for warmth. Avoid replying with 'Prego' to someone who says 'Prego' to you—that would create a loop. Instead, when someone says 'Prego' after you thank them, you can simply smile, nod, or say 'Grazie a te' if you want to thank them back for their help.
When to use it
Use 'Prego' with strangers, shopkeepers, or anyone you address with Lei. Use 'Figurati' with friends, family, and people your age in casual settings. Use 'Si figuri' when you want to be explicitly formal, for example to an older person or a client. 'Non c'è di che' is a polite middle ground, common in central and northern Italy. If someone says 'Prego' to you first—for example, a waiter who says 'Prego' to invite you to order—you do not need to reply with another 'Prego'. You can simply proceed with your request. If you want to acknowledge their 'Prego' after they have done something for you, a simple 'Grazie' is enough.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Grazie mille per l'aiuto!
Thanks a lot for your help!GRAH-tsee-eh MEEL-leh pehr lahy-OO-tohFigurati, è stato un piacere.
No problem, it was a pleasure.fee-GOO-rah-tee, eh STAH-toh oon pyah-CHEH-rehSei molto gentile. Prego, dopo di te.
You're very kind. Please, after you.say MOL-toh jen-TEE-leh. PREH-goh, DOH-poh dee tehGrazie.
Thank you.GRAH-tsee-ehA little context goes a long way
In Italy, 'Prego' is extremely versatile. It can mean 'you're welcome', 'please go ahead', 'after you', or 'how can I help you?' in a shop. Context and tone make the meaning clear. When someone says 'Prego' to you as an invitation, you don't need to reply with 'Prego' again; simply proceed or say 'Grazie'. In informal settings, 'Figurati' is very common, but using it with a stranger or a superior can sound too familiar. When in doubt, 'Prego' is the safest choice.
One thing to watch for
Responding to 'Grazie' with 'Per favore' (please) or 'Di niente' in every situation.
Try this instead: 'Per favore' means 'please' and is not a reply to thanks. 'Di niente' is not wrong, but it is less common and can sound a bit dismissive in some contexts. The standard reply is 'Prego'. For example: A: 'Grazie!' B: 'Prego!' If you want to be warmer, use 'Figurati' with friends or 'Si figuri' in formal situations.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1A colleague you don't know well says 'Grazie' after you hold the door. What is the safest reply?
Show a sample answer
Prego.
'Prego' is neutral and polite, suitable for both formal and informal situations. 'Figurati' would be too informal with a stranger, and 'Si figuri' is also correct but more formal than necessary.
2Your close friend says 'Grazie' for a small favor. What would be a natural informal reply?
Show a sample answer
Figurati.
'Figurati' is the standard informal reply among friends. 'Prego' is also possible but sounds a bit more distant. 'Si figuri' would be too formal.
3Someone says 'Prego' to you after you thank them. How do you respond?
Show a sample answer
You can simply smile and say 'Grazie' or nod. Do not say 'Prego' again.
Replying 'Prego' to 'Prego' creates an endless loop. A simple 'Grazie' or a nod is enough. If you want to be extra polite, you can say 'Grazie a te' (thanks to you).
Use 'Prego' as your default reply to 'Grazie'. Switch to 'Figurati' with friends and 'Si figuri' in formal situations. When someone says 'Prego' to you, don't reply with 'Prego' again—just smile or say 'Grazie'.
Progress is saved on this browser.
Practice real time conversations on Yapr for faster learning.
Put today’s Italian into a conversation with an AI tutor. Speak, make mistakes, and try again.
Practice on Yapr