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13 Ways to Say Thank You in Italian

We discuss the many Italian phrases you can use to express your thanks in different situations and for different reasons.
Matt Zajechowski

The most common way to say “thank you” in Italian is “grazie.” Among all the ways you can express gratitude, this is the most basic one. 

Because it’s always kind to show gratitude for things big and small, just like in English, the Italian language offers many ways to say “thank you.” Here are some other phrases to review when you’re learning Italian so that you can express your thanks in different situations.

1. La ringrazio (“thank you”)

“La ringrazio” is a more polite way to say “grazie.” It’s a formal way to say “thank you,” used when you are speaking to someone you want to show respect to, like a stranger or an elder. 

In Italian, you have to change the pronoun when talking to someone you don’t know, or when the situation calls for you to be more polite. For this specific Italian phrase, you change the pronoun from “you” to “her” (applying to both men and women). This formal way of speaking is called “forma di cortesia.” 

So “la ringrazio” literally translates into “I thank her.” The less formal version of this expression, on the other hand, is “ti ringrazio,” or “I thank you.” 

  • Example:

“Potrebbe portarci un’altra tazza di caffè, per cortesia?”

“Certo, arrivo subito.”

“La ringrazio.”

  • Translation:

“Could you bring us another cup of coffee, please?”

“Sure, I’ll be right there.”

“Thank you.”

2. La ringrazio molto (“thank you so much”)

“La ringrazio molto” is used when someone you aren’t familiar with helps you with something and you want to express more gratitude than a simple “thank you.” It’s a more heartfelt alternative to “la ringrazio.” Another variation of this phrase, “la ringrazio tanto,” is used for a similar effect. 

  • Example: 

“Mi scusi, può indicarmi la strada per raggiungere la torre?” 

“Deve andare verso via Garibaldi.”

“La ringrazio molto.”

  • Translation:

“Excuse me, can you show me the way to reach the tower?”

“You need to go towards Garibaldi Street.”

“Thank you so much.”

3. Molte grazie (“many thanks”)

This Italian phrase is similar to “la ringrazio molto,” as it is a formal way of expressing gratitude and translates literally to “many thanks.

  • Example: 

“Ecco la chiave della sua camera, ci faccia sapere se le serve altro.”

“Molte grazie.”

  • Translation:

“Here’s the key to your room, let us know if you need anything else.”

“Many thanks.” 

4. Grazie mille (“a thousand thanks”)

Though this phrase can be used with strangers or in other formal situations, native speakers often use “grazie mille” among family and friends. Also, sometimes said “mille grazie,” this expression translates into “a thousand thanks,” similar to the English phrase “thanks a million.” You can use it to emphasize how much you appreciate what the other person said or did. 

  • Example: “Il tuo regalo è stato molto apprezzato. Grazie mille!”
  • Translation: “Your present was greatly appreciated. A thousand thanks!”

5. Grazie infinite (“thank you so much”)

The phrase “grazie infinite” translates into “endless thanks” or “infinite thanks.” Very similar to “grazie mille,” this Italian phrase is even more heartfelt. It can be used in both formal and informal situations. 

  • Example: “Grazie infinite per il tuo prezioso aiuto. Non ce l’avrei fatta altrimenti.”
  • Translation: “Thank you so much for your precious help. I couldn’t have done it otherwise.”

6. Grazie ancora (“thanks again”)

“Grazie ancora” translates into “thanks again.” It’s used when you feel that one “thank you” isn’t enough, emphasizing your gratitude towards the other person. 

  • Example: “La cena era deliziosa. Spero di rivedereci presto. Grazie ancora!”
  • Translation: “Dinner was delicious. Hope to see you again soon. Thanks again!”

7. Ti ringrazio un sacco (“thank you a bag”)

A typical expression in Italy, “ti ringrazio un sacco” is used informally among native speakers, especially with friends. “Un sacco” literally means “a bag,” a figure of speech that means “a lot.” 

  • Example: “Ti ringrazio un sacco per gli appunti che mi hai prestato, non capisco nulla di matematica.”
  • Translation: “Thank you so much for the notes you lent me. I don’t understand math at all.”

8. Grazie di tutto (“thanks for everything”)

“Grazie di tutto” is often used to thank another person for something they did for you at the end of the experience. For example, if a friend cooked dinner for you and hosted you at their place, or took you on a nice trip that you enjoyed, you would thank them this way for the whole experience. 

  • Example: “Lavorare con voi è stata una fantastica esperienza e mi mancherete. Grazie di tutto.”
  • Translation: “Working with you was a fantastic experience, and I’ll miss you. Thanks for everything.”

9. Grazie per and Grazie di (“thanks for . . .”) 

“Grazie per . . .” and “grazie di . . .” are ways to thank somebody for something specific. These can be formal or informal. The use of “per” or “di” depends on what you are thanking someone for, whether it’s a noun (per) or a verb (di). 

  • Example: “Grazie per essere qui oggi.”
  • Translation: “Thank you for being here today.” 
  • Example: “Grazie di aver chiamato.”
  • Translation: “Thank you for calling.” 

10. È molto gentile da parte sua (“that’s very kind of you”)

This expression is a heartfelt way to show your appreciation beyond a simple “thank you.” You can use this phrase when someone did something kind for you, like a favor, and you want to show that you appreciate it. 

The word “sua” in this Italian phrase suggests that you are in a formal situation. The informal equivalent of this phrase would use “tua,” translating to “it’s very kind of you.”  

  • Example: “La ringrazio per avermi aiutato ad organizzare la festa, è molto gentile da parte sua.”
  • Translation: “Thank you for helping me organize the party; that’s very kind of you.”

11. I miei ringraziamenti (“all my gratitude”)

This Italian idiom is used mostly in formal situations when you want to thank the public, an important person, or a group of people. 

  • Example: “I miei ringraziamenti vanno a tutti i membri dello staff, che hanno reso questo evento possibile.”
  • Translation: “All my gratitude goes to all the staff members who made this event possible.”

12. Grazie di cuore (“thanks with all my heart”)

“Grazie di cuore” translates into “thanks with all my heart,” similar to the English phrase “from the bottom of my heart.” It’s a way to show profound gratitude to the other person. It can be used in both formal and informal situations. 

  • Example: “Luca, grazie di cuore per le tue parole. È un periodo difficile ed apprezzo ciò che dici.”
  • Translation: “Luca, thanks with all my heart for your words. I am having a difficult time, and I appreciate what you are saying.” 

13. Grazie tante (“thanks a lot” sarcastically)

Typically, the Italian phrase “grazie tante” is only used sarcastically, showing that you don’t appreciate what the other person did or said. If you truly want to express your thanks, don’t use this phrase. 

“Tante grazie” can be a sarcastic response too, but that isn’t necessarily always the case – it has more or less the same meaning as “molte grazie.” So try not to mix up “grazie tante” and “tante grazie,” or you may risk offending someone unintentionally. 

  • Example: “Non mi serve la tua pietà, ma grazie tante.”
  • Translation: “I don’t need your pity, but thanks a lot.”

How to respond to “thank you” in Italian

Just like “thank you,” there are many ways to say “you’re welcome” in Italian too. The most common way is “prego,” which can be used in any situation and translates to “you are welcome.” But there are many other Italian words and phrases for your welcome. Here’s a brief list to add to your vocabulary: 

  • Di niente (“not at all”): This phrase literally translates into “(thank you) of nothing,” suggesting that what you did or said was not a big deal, that you did it enthusiastically and without issue.
  • Figurati (“no problem”): This word translates into “forget about it,” and is similar to “no problem” in its meaning.
  • Non c’è problema (“no problem”): This is another Italian phrase that means “no problem,” a way of telling the other person that what you did for them was no inconvenience to you.  
  • Ci mancherebbe (“don’t mention it”): This idiom is most similar to the phrase “don’t mention it” in English. You can use this when you want to say that there’s no need to thank you, that you meant what you did or said without expecting anything back. It’s best used in an informal situation.
  • È stato un piacere (“it was a pleasure”): The literal translation of this phrase is “it was a pleasure.” It’s used to express your delight in doing what the other person is thanking you for and can be used both formally and informally. 

What’s the difference between “grazie” and “grazia”?

The Italian verb “ringraziare” means “to thank,” which is what the word “grazie” derives from. “Grazia,” on the other hand, is an Italian word that means “grace.” They are two different words and cannot be used interchangeably. 

Common pronunciation mistakes 

When approaching Italian words and phrases, English speakers often forget to pronounce the  “e” at the end of words because, in English, they’re silent. A common mistake many English speakers make is pronouncing “grazie” like “graht-see” when it’s really pronounced more like “GRAHT-see-eh.” 

This also applies to words like “mille,” “molte,” “infinite” and “tante.” 

Conclusion

Regardless of what language you’re speaking, it’s important to have good manners. Now that you know various ways to say “thank you” in Italian, you’ll be able to express gratitude to Italian speakers in any situation. 

If you’re interested in learning Italian as a new language, continuing your Italian studies, or learning a different language, Preply has resources for learners at all stages. Try a session with an online tutors today, and take one step closer to discovering a new world of language.

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Matt is a Marketing Specialist with 14 years of experience in digital marketing. Matt is a world traveler who is always in search of his next destination when he's not working, writing or spending time at home with his dog and cat. Matt speaks English and German. Connect with him on Twitter and Linkedin.

Matt is a Marketing Specialist with 14 years of experience in digital marketing. Matt is a world traveler who is always in search of his next destination when he's not working, writing or spending time at home with his dog and cat. Matt speaks English and German. Connect with him on Twitter and Linkedin.

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