A few years ago in Florence, after struggling to order coffee in Italian, I shyly said, “Grazie!” The barista smiled and replied, “Prego!” — his tone warm, effortless, and kind.
That one word, Prego, carried something deeper than politeness. It was grace — an invitation to connection.
Across cultures, saying “you’re welcome” is more than just a response to thanks — it’s a way of acknowledging kindness, humility, and the shared rhythm of giving and receiving.
Let’s explore how the Italian word Prego embodies this spirit and how other cultures express the same timeless courtesy.
🗺️ Table of Gratitude: How to Say “You’re Welcome” Around the World
| Language | Word/Phrase for “You’re Welcome” | Cultural Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Italian | Prego | Common reply to “Grazie”; literally means “I pray,” showing humility. |
| English | You’re welcome | A polite acknowledgment of gratitude, often paired with a smile. |
| French | De rien | Literally “of nothing”; implies modesty and humility. |
| Spanish | De nada | Means “it’s nothing,” reflecting kindness and grace. |
| German | Bitte | Also means “please”; context defines politeness. |
| Portuguese | De nada / Por nada | Warm and modest, common across Brazil and Portugal. |
| Turkish | Rica ederim | Literally “I make a request”; expresses sincerity. |
| Japanese | Dōitashimashite (どういたしまして) | Formal response emphasizing respect. |
| Mandarin (Chinese) | Bú kèqì (不客气) | Means “don’t be so polite,” a sign of closeness. |
| Hindi (India) | Aapka swagat hai (आपका स्वागत है) | “You are welcome”; rooted in traditional hospitality. |
| Swahili | Karibu | Means “welcome”; used before and after gratitude. |
| Arabic | Afwan (عفواً) | Means “excuse me” or “you’re welcome,” expressing forgiveness and kindness. |
| Russian | Pozhaluysta (Пожалуйста) | Versatile term meaning “please” and “you’re welcome.” |
| Hawaiian | A‘ole pilikia | “No trouble at all”; humble and friendly. |
| Maori (New Zealand) | Kāore he raru | Means “no problem”; conveys calm and generosity. |
🇮🇹 How to Say You’re Welcome in Italian
The Italian word for “you’re welcome” is Prego (pronounced preh-go).
It’s used in response to Grazie (thank you) and has a charmingly fluid meaning. It can also mean “please,” “go ahead,” or even “after you.”
Cultural Insight:
Italians use Prego to show warmth, good manners, and genuine hospitality. Whether you’ve thanked a waiter, entered a store, or received help, Prego flows effortlessly — a verbal smile.
Learning how to say you’re welcome in Italian opens a door to Italian politeness — where generosity and grace are part of daily life.
🇪🇺 How to Say You’re Welcome in European Languages
Europe’s greetings of gratitude vary beautifully across borders, yet they all share a tone of humility and friendship.
- France — De rien: “It’s nothing,” expressing modesty.
- Spain — De nada: Similar meaning, spoken warmly and casually.
- Germany — Bitte: A polite, multipurpose word.
- Portugal — Por nada: “It’s nothing”; often said with a friendly tone.
- Greece — Parakalo: Means both “please” and “you’re welcome,” showing reciprocity.
- Russia — Pozhaluysta: A classic expression of both giving and receiving.
- Dutch — Graag gedaan: “Gladly done”; emphasizes the joy of helping.
Across Europe, gratitude reflects balance — the act of giving and receiving without expectation.
🌏 How to Say You’re Welcome in Asian Languages
In Asia, gratitude often carries spiritual and emotional depth.
- Japan — Dōitashimashite: Formal and respectful, showing acknowledgment without pride.
- China — Bú kèqì: “Don’t be polite”; closeness is valued over formality.
- India — Aapka swagat hai: Rooted in hospitality; a cultural cornerstone.
- Korea — Cheonmaneyo (천만에요): Literally “It’s nothing at all.”
- Arabic — Afwan: Expresses humility and forgiveness.
- Thailand — Yin dee kha/krub: Means “I’m glad”; an emotionally generous response.
- Indonesia — Sama-sama: “Same to you”; promotes equality.
- Vietnam — Không có chi: “It’s nothing”; softly modest.
- Philippines — Walang anuman: “Think nothing of it”; shows genuine kindness.
Asian languages transform “you’re welcome” into a statement of empathy, mutual respect, and community.
🌍 How to Say You’re Welcome in African Languages
Africa’s expressions of welcome are full of community and warmth.
- Swahili — Karibu: Means both “welcome” and “you’re welcome.”
- Zulu — Kulungile: “It’s alright”; relaxed and kind.
- Yoruba — O kaabo: Literally “you are welcome”; part of cultural hospitality.
- Hausa — Barka da zuwa: A heartfelt way to welcome guests.
- Amharic — Minim aydelem: Means “it’s nothing”; gentle humility.
- Akan (Ghana) — Medaase: Response to “thank you,” expressing shared joy.
- Somali — Soo dhowow: “You’re welcome” or “come closer”; deeply personal.
- Shona — Wakadini zvako: Friendly response showing empathy.
- Berber — Azul fell-awen: Ancient phrase for peaceful welcome.
For Africans, “you’re welcome” is not just polite — it’s a cultural heartbeat celebrating togetherness.
🌺 How to Say You’re Welcome in Indigenous & Island Languages
From the Pacific to the Americas, gratitude is expressed through harmony with nature and community.
- Hawaiian — A‘ole pilikia: “No trouble”; full of humility and grace.
- Maori — Kāore he raru: “No problem”; cheerful and accepting.
- Samoan — E leai se mea: “It’s nothing”; often said with laughter.
- Cherokee — Osda: Simple acknowledgment of goodwill.
- Fijian — Sega na leqa: “No worries”; reflects calmness and community.
- Tahitian — E mea iti: “A small thing”; generous humility.
- Haitian Creole — Pa gen pwoblem: Literally “no problem”; joyful tone.
- Guarani — Nderehegua: Expresses reciprocity and harmony.
- Inuit — Nakuurmiik: Acknowledges gratitude in the Arctic’s soft cadence.
In these languages, gratitude is not just an exchange — it’s a celebration of shared existence.
💬 Cultural Insights: Gratitude as a Bridge
The Italian Prego has Latin roots in “precari,” meaning “to pray” — a humble acknowledgment of favor. Over time, it evolved into a social expression of ease, kindness, and civility.
Across the world, “you’re welcome” bridges giving and gratitude, symbolizing balance and mutual respect. Whether it’s “Prego,” “Karibu,” or “A‘ole pilikia,” every version whispers the same truth: kindness completes the circle.
🌸 Proverbs About Gratitude Around the World
- Italian: “La gentilezza è la lingua che il sordo può sentire.” — “Kindness is the language the deaf can hear.”
- Swahili: “Shukrani ni ufunguo wa moyo.” — “Gratitude is the key to the heart.”
- Japanese: “A thankful heart is a happy heart.”
- Turkish: “Teşekkür eden, gönül kazanır.” — “One who thanks wins hearts.”
- Arabic: “Gratitude is the memory of the heart.”
Every culture teaches that gratitude isn’t just expressed — it’s felt.
❓ FAQs
Q1: What does “Prego” mean in Italian?
“Prego” means “you’re welcome” and also “please” or “go ahead,” depending on context.
Q2: How do Italians respond to “Grazie”?
They reply with “Prego!” warmly, often with a smile or nod.
Q3: Is “Prego” formal or informal?
It’s neutral — perfect for both formal and casual situations.
Q4: Why do some languages use the same word for “please” and “you’re welcome”?
It reflects cultural emphasis on reciprocity and balance in giving and receiving.
Q5: What’s the deeper meaning behind “Prego”?
It symbolizes generosity — offering kindness without expecting anything in return.
❤️ Conclusion: The Universal Grace of “Prego”
No matter where you go — whether it’s Prego in Italy, De nada in Spain, or Karibu in Kenya — the message is the same: gratitude connects us all.
Saying “you’re welcome” is more than good manners. It’s an act of generosity, empathy, and connection.
So, next time someone says “Grazie,” smile and say “Prego” — because kindness sounds beautiful in every language.
💬 Your Turn:
How do you say “you’re welcome” in your language? Share it below and help us create a global circle of gratitude! 🌎
