In this video, I will discuss some cultural differences in the usage of expressing “you’re welcome” after saying “thank you.” These nuances typically occur after a transaction has taken place in a store, restaurant, or other type of business.
You’re Welcome – Spanish
During a recent visit to Medellín, Colombia, I noticed a distinct nuance in the way locals express “you’re welcome” when interacting with one another. Of course, it pertains to Spanish, but later in the video, I also explain some Italian cultural differences.
If you were to look in a Spanish dictionary for the expression “you’re welcome,” you would find the term being “de nada.” Literally, it means, ‘it’s nothing’. It’s like saying it wasn’t a big deal, or no skin off my back, insinuation.
However, in Colombia, I did not hear the term “de nada” used in all my interactions with the locals. They would instead say “con gusto” or “con mucho gusto” to mean it was their pleasure to help or serve you.
You’re Welcome – English
In English, we have similar sayings or expressions used after an expression of thanks. We may say “no problem,” “don’t worry about it,” “my pleasure,” or something along those lines.
You’re Welcome (Prego) – Italian
The Italian language also has its cultural nuances.
In Italian, the phrase to express “you’re welcome” is “prego“. It is also the name of a tomato pasta sauce in the United States.
Moreover, “prego” has other meanings as well. You can use it to allow passage through a tight space or to allow someone to cross through your path.
For example, on a plane in a crowded aisle, you may say “prego” to someone to allow them to pass ahead of you.
In essence, you are saying “you are welcome” to pass by or to pass through.
Upon entering a store or restaurant, you may hear “prego” to imply that you are welcome to sit down or shop in the store.
Another cultural nuance in Italian Language
Often, there is another little nuance in the Italian language for expressing “you’re welcome,” and that term is “a Lei.”
Literally, it means “to you” and is a formal way of expression used among strangers or when showing respect to someone. You would not use “a Lei” between someone that you know on a familiar basis.
For example, let’s pretend Person A just purchased a cappuccino at a bar in Italy.
Person A – grazie (thank you)
Person B – a Lei (literally means “to you” with thanks being implied)
“Grazie Caro” used in Milan
A variation I heard in Milan was to use the term “grazie caro.” This term is typically used when speaking to a man. This would mean “thank you, dear,” even though you never met the person previously. I am not sure if “grazie cara” would be used in the same manner.
This would be a term used to address a man, since the “o” at the end of “caro” makes it masculine.
In the cappuccino example above, the interaction would have unfolded as follows.
Person A – grazie (thank you)
Person B – grazie caro (thank you dear)
To summarize, the world is a treasure trove of cultural nuances, each adding its own unique flavor and richness to our human experience. This is what makes traveling so engaging-the thrill of discovering these nuances that make our world so diverse and fascinating!
Happy Travels!
Italian Vocabulary for this video
The vocabulary for some of the pictures shown in the video seen on my trip is listed below:
Bronze statue – statua in bronzo
Coffee beans – chicchi di caffé
Medellin by night – Medellin di notte
You’re welcome (Spanish) – de nada
Two flamingos – due fenicotteri
Medellin by day – Medellin di giorno
Exotic fruits – frutte esotiche
You’re welcome (Spanish) – ‘con gusto’ is used in Colombia, which means ‘with pleasure’ or ‘my pleasure’.
Crazy – pazzo
Bungee jumping – salto con l’elastico
Colombian Lunch – pranzo colombiano
Cocoa Plant – pianta del cacao
You’re welcome (Italian) – prego
Prego is also used to allow another to pass through a space or for entrance. For example, upon entering a store in Italy, the proprietor may say “prego” to welcome you to shop or browse the store.
Two horses – due cavalli
a Lei – this literally means “to you”. It is used after someone expresses or gives thanks. And the second person will reply with “a Lei,” meaning “thank you” reciprocated, which is almost like a “back at you” type of meaning.
In Medellín, some escalators connect lower- to higher-elevation areas.
Escalators in the city – scale mobili nella città
Motorcycles – motociclette
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Related video: Learn the Colors in Italian video from Guatapé, Colombia
