Italian Phrase
Sì, per favore!
Meaning
A courteous way to say ‘Yes, please!’ It combines a clear affirmative with a polite request, often used when accepting an offer or invitation.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone offers you something (a drink, a seat, help, etc.) and you want to accept it politely. It works in both formal and informal settings, though in very casual conversation Italians may simply say ‘Sì, grazie!’
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sìperfavore
Sì (affirmation)
The word ‘Sì’ with an acute accent means ‘yes’; without the accent it is the reflexive pronoun ‘si’.
per favore (polite request)
Literally ‘for a favor’, this fixed expression is the standard way to say ‘please’ in Italian.
Word order
In a polite affirmative response the affirmative ‘Sì’ comes first, followed by the courtesy phrase ‘per favore’.
🗨In Conversation
Vuoi un caffè?
Do you want a coffee?
Sì, per favore!
Yes, please!
✕Common Mistakes
Si, per favore!
Missing the acute accent turns ‘Sì’ (yes) into ‘si’, a reflexive pronoun meaning ‘himself/ herself/ itself’.
Sì, per piacere!
‘Per piacere’ is a literal translation of ‘for pleasure’ and is not used as a polite ‘please’ in modern Italian.
↔Alternatives
Sì, grazie!
Yes, thank you!
Certo, per favore.
Sure, please.
Volentieri, grazie.
Gladly, thank you.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, adding ‘per favore’ after ‘Sì’ signals extra politeness, especially in service contexts (restaurants, shops, etc.). However, native speakers often drop the ‘per favore’ and simply say ‘Sì, grazie!’ when the request is obvious. Remember that the accent on ‘Sì’ is essential; writing it without the accent changes the meaning entirely.