per piacere
Lemma: per piacere
Translation: please; if you please; kindly (phrase)
Etymology: Derived from the preposition 'per' (for, through) and the noun 'piacere' (pleasure, favor). Literally means 'for pleasure' or 'as a favor'. The construction parallels the English 'if you please' where one is asking someone to do something for their pleasure or as a favor to the speaker.
Mnemonics
- Think of asking for something 'for the pleasure' of the other person to do it for you.
- Remember 'piacere' means 'pleasure' - you're asking someone to do something 'per' (for) their 'piacere' (pleasure).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Used frequently in everyday Italian conversation. Italians value politeness, and 'per piacere' is an essential phrase in polite discourse. It's used in both formal and informal settings, though 'per favore' might be slightly more common in casual conversation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Both mean 'please' and are used interchangeably in most contexts, though 'per favore' is slightly more common in everyday speech.
This word:
Mi aiuti, per piacere?
Help me, please?
Confused word:
Mi aiuti, per favore?
Help me, please?
Notes: Both phrases are perfectly acceptable in all contexts, and the choice between them is often a matter of personal preference or regional habit.
Mnemonic: 'Piacere' relates to pleasure, while 'favore' relates to favor - both are asking someone to do something as a courtesy.
Explanation: 'Prego' can mean 'you're welcome' or 'please' (when inviting someone to do something), while 'per piacere' only means 'please' when making a request.
This word:
Mi scusi, per piacere.
Excuse me, please.
Confused word:
Prego, si accomodi.
Please, have a seat.
Notes: 'Prego' is multifunctional in Italian, serving as 'you're welcome', 'please' (in certain contexts), and 'don't mention it'.
Mnemonic: 'Per piacere' is for making requests, while 'prego' is often a response or invitation.