Why Do Italians Say "Prego" All The Time

Giuseppe Russo

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«prego» in Italian has so many meanings that there's always a chance to say «prego».

When you want to give way or precedence to somebody, e.g. for respect, you say «prego» to say «only after you».

When someone says thank you («grazie») the obvious answer is «prego» in the meaning of «you are welcome» or «don't mention it».

When you want to be particularly kind, inviting someone to do something, e.g. to have a seat, you say «prego [siediti]» to say «please [have a seat]».

Also «prego» is 1st person singular present tense of «pregare», equivalent to «to beg» and «to pray», so «ti prego» is just like «I beg you».

In addition, when someone asks you for permission to do (or take) something, e.g. «posso prendere questa penna?» that is «may I take this pen?» you can reply «prego» just to say «of course, obviously you can». Even when there's no question and you understand the person in front of you doesn't know whether he/she can or not, you can wave with your hand and say «prego» meaning to invite him/her to help himself/herself.

In a more formal context, e.g. you are loitering around in a restricted area, a security officer or an employee could turn to you and say «prego» just to say «what are you doing?» or, if he's smiling, «may I help you?». It's even possible, in a formal context, to hear «prego?» from a person who didn't understand what (or the purpose of what) you just said: it's like «Repeat please» or «Let me get this straight».

Or, for example, if you are handling a queue and, after your current client, you want another one to approach you to be served, just say pretty loud «prego»: it's just like «next up, please» or «next customer, please».

Right now, I can't think of other uses of «prego» but, maybe, it's enough.