Concepto nuevo

The magic words

Italian English Notes
Per favore / per piacere Please When you ask for something
Grazie / grazie mille Thank you / thanks a lot Mille = a thousand
Prego You're welcome Also “here you are”, “after you”, “come in”
Scusa / Scusi Excuse me, sorry Scusa to a friend, Scusi to someone you call Lei
Mi dispiace I'm sorry A real apology or sympathy
Salve Hello Neutral — a safe middle ground between ciao and buongiorno

Prego is the Swiss army knife of Italian manners: a waiter says it when you walk in, a shop assistant when handing you your change, a friend when holding the door.