Thanking & Apologizing
Essential phrases for navigating crowds, getting someone's attention, and expressing gratitude or apologies in everyday situations.
Key Phrases
Grazie.
casualThanks.
The most common everyday way to say thank you.
Grazie mille.
neutralThank you very much.
A warmer, standard thank you. Literally 'a thousand thanks'.
La ringrazio.
politeThank you.
Very formal. Use with officials or in professional situations.
Di niente.
casualNo problem. / It's nothing.
A very common and relaxed reply.
Prego.
neutralYou're welcome.
The automatic, polite reply to 'grazie'.
Scusa.
casualExcuse me.
Use this with friends, children, or people your own age.
Mi scusi.
politeExcuse me.
Use this with strangers or staff to get their attention.
Permesso.
neutralExcuse me.
The magic word to use when you need to walk past someone in a crowd.
Scusami.
casualI'm sorry.
For small mistakes with friends. Literally 'excuse me'.
Mi dispiace.
neutralI am sorry.
Used for genuine regret or to show sympathy.