Meaning
A polite response to thanks.
Cultural Background
The use of 'Figurati' is a hallmark of 'Italian warmth'. It is often accompanied by a specific gesture: a slight tilt of the head and a gentle wave of the hand, as if brushing away a fly. This physical movement reinforces the meaning of the word—dismissing the importance of the favor to make the other person feel at ease. In the South, 'Figurati' can be even more emphatic. You might hear 'Ma figurati, uè!' where the 'uè' adds a regional flavor of camaraderie. The emphasis on hospitality in the South makes the use of this phrase almost mandatory to avoid appearing cold. In the more fast-paced North, 'Figurati' is often clipped and used very efficiently. It’s the standard response in the 'aperitivo' culture when someone offers a light thanks for a drink or a snack. In Italian-American or Italian-Australian communities, 'Figurati' is one of the few words that often survives into the second and third generations, even if they don't speak full Italian. It remains a core marker of 'being Italian'.
The 'Ma' Factor
Always add 'Ma' (Ma figurati!) to sound 10x more like a native. It adds a layer of 'But of course!' to your response.
The Sarcastic Trap
Be careful with your tone. A flat 'Figurati' can sound like 'Yeah, right'. Keep it light and rising for 'You're welcome'.
Meaning
A polite response to thanks.
The 'Ma' Factor
Always add 'Ma' (Ma figurati!) to sound 10x more like a native. It adds a layer of 'But of course!' to your response.
The Sarcastic Trap
Be careful with your tone. A flat 'Figurati' can sound like 'Yeah, right'. Keep it light and rising for 'You're welcome'.
Body Language
Use a small hand gesture (palm up or a slight wave) to complete the 'Figurati' vibe.
Test Yourself
Choose the best response to the following: 'Grazie mille per l'aiuto!' (to a close friend)
A friend just thanked you for helping them move a table. What do you say?
'Figurati' is the perfect informal response to thanks among friends.
Fill in the blank with the correct formal form.
Dottore, grazie per la Sua disponibilità. — ______, è il mio lavoro.
Since you are addressing a 'Dottore' (formal), you must use 'Si figuri'.
Match the use of 'Figurati' to the correct meaning.
1. 'Figurati se piove!' 2. 'Grazie!' 'Figurati!' 3. 'Scusa!' 'Figurati!'
Figurati is versatile: it can mean 'No way' (1), 'You're welcome' (2), or 'No worries' (3).
Complete the dialogue with the most natural expression.
A: 'Ti va di venire a correre?' B: '______! Sono stanchissimo.'
In this context, 'Figurati!' means 'No way!' or 'As if!', expressing that the idea of running is impossible given the speaker's tiredness.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The 3 Faces of Figurati
Response to Thanks
- • Grazie!
- • Figurati!
Response to Apology
- • Scusa!
- • Figurati!
Disbelief
- • Verrà?
- • Figurati!
Informal vs Formal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA friend just thanked you for helping them move a table. What do you say?
'Figurati' is the perfect informal response to thanks among friends.
Dottore, grazie per la Sua disponibilità. — ______, è il mio lavoro.
Since you are addressing a 'Dottore' (formal), you must use 'Si figuri'.
1. 'Figurati se piove!' 2. 'Grazie!' 'Figurati!' 3. 'Scusa!' 'Figurati!'
Figurati is versatile: it can mean 'No way' (1), 'You're welcome' (2), or 'No worries' (3).
A: 'Ti va di venire a correre?' B: '______! Sono stanchissimo.'
In this context, 'Figurati!' means 'No way!' or 'As if!', expressing that the idea of running is impossible given the speaker's tiredness.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it is very polite but informal. It's the standard way to be friendly in Italy.
No, you should say 'Si figuri' to show respect to a teacher or professor.
'Prego' is more general and formal. 'Figurati' is warmer and can also be used for apologies.
Mostly, but it can also mean 'No worries' or 'No way' depending on the context.
It's a single tap of the tongue against the roof of the mouth, not a long trill.
Yes, it is a national expression used from Milan to Sicily.
Yes, if the email is to a friend or a close colleague. For formal emails, use 'Si figuri'.
It means 'Let alone' or 'Imagine us'. E.g., 'I can't run 1km, let alone 10!'
It's a reflexive pronoun meaning 'yourself'. The verb is 'figurarsi' (to imagine oneself).
No, it's standard informal Italian. Everyone uses it.
Yes, if someone apologizes for something that didn't affect you, you can say it.
Yes, 'Figuratevi' if you are talking to more than one person.
Related Phrases
Prego
synonymYou're welcome / Please
Di niente
synonymOf nothing
Non c'è di che
synonymDon't mention it
Ci mancherebbe
similarThat's the least I could do
Figuriamoci
builds onLet alone / Much less
Ma ti pare
similarDoes it seem so to you?
