prego

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you're welcome, please, go ahead, I pray, I beg
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/ˈprɛɡo/
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An Italian courtesy word for “you're welcome,” “please,” or “pardon?”, also the verb form “I pray” or “I beg,” and an archaic noun for a prayer.
Practice using prego in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • «Scusi per il ritardo.» «Prego, non si preoccupi.»
    “Sorry for being late.” “No problem, don't worry.”
  • Ogni sera prego per i miei cari.
    Every evening I pray for my loved ones.
  • Ti prego, ascoltami fino alla fine.
    I beg you, listen to me until the end.
  • Vi prego di non fare rumore.
    I ask you not to make noise.
  • Il vecchio testo parla dei preghi dei fedeli.
    The old text speaks of the prayers of the faithful.

Similar words

supplico
chiedo
si figuri
avanti
faccia pure
supplica
non c'è di che
orazione
preghiera
invoco

Meanings

Polite reply or invitation

interjection
everyday
neutral
A flexible courtesy word used after thanks, when accepting an apology, when inviting someone to go ahead, or when asking for something to be repeated.

Examples

  • «Grazie per l'aiuto.» «Prego!»
    “Thank you for the help.” “You're welcome!”
  • Prego, si accomodi.
    Please, have a seat.
  • Prego? Può ripetere l'ultima frase?
    Pardon? Could you repeat the last sentence?
  • Le passo il menu: prego.
    Here is the menu: please.
  • «Scusi per il ritardo.» «Prego, non si preoccupi.»
    “Sorry for being late.” “No problem, don't worry.”

Similar words

di nulla
non c'è di che
si figuri
avanti
si accomodi
faccia pure

I pray, beg, or request

verb
religion
neutral
The first-person present form of pregare, used for praying, begging, or making a polite request.

Examples

  • Ti prego, ascoltami fino alla fine.
    I beg you, listen to me until the end.
  • Prego Dio che la famiglia stia bene.
    I pray to God that the family is well.
  • La prego di attendere qualche minuto.
    I ask you to wait a few minutes.
  • Ogni sera prego per i miei cari.
    Every evening I pray for my loved ones.
  • Vi prego di non fare rumore.
    I ask you not to make noise.

Similar words

supplico
imploro
chiedo
invoco
domando

Archaic prayer or supplication

noun
literature
archaic
An old or poetic noun for a prayer, plea, or humble supplication.

Examples

  • Nei versi antichi, il prego sale al cielo.
    In the old verses, the prayer rises to heaven.
  • Il poeta affidò il suo prego alla Madonna.
    The poet entrusted his supplication to the Madonna.
  • Quel prego umile commosse l'assemblea.
    That humble prayer moved the assembly.
  • Dante usa preghi dove oggi diremmo preghiere.
    Dante uses preghi where today we would say prayers.
  • Il vecchio testo parla dei preghi dei fedeli.
    The old text speaks of the prayers of the faithful.

Similar words

preghiera
supplica
orazione

Etymology

The interjection comes from prego, the first-person present of pregare, “to pray, beg, or request.” Pregare continues Latin precari, from prex, “prayer.” The archaic noun prego is also derived from pregare.

FAQ

What does prego mean in Italian?

Prego can mean “you're welcome,” “please,” “go ahead,” or “pardon?”, and as a verb it means “I pray,” “I beg,” or “I ask.”

Does prego mean please?

Yes, prego can mean “please” when inviting someone to proceed, but per favore is the usual “please” inside many requests.

Why does prego mean you're welcome?

It comes from the verb pregare, so the courtesy formula originally has the force of “I pray” or “I ask,” softened into a polite response.

Is prego a verb?

Yes. Prego is the first-person present form of pregare, as in ti prego or prego Dio.

Is prego a noun?

Yes, but only in archaic or poetic Italian, where prego can mean a prayer or supplication.

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