How to use formal language in Italian [with video and audio]

In Italian, formality is very important, especially in professional, academic, or polite social contexts. Unlike English, where “you” is used for both formal and informal situations, Italian distinguishes between informal (“tu”) and formal (“Lei”). Understanding how to use formal language correctly will help you sound more respectful and appropriate in different situations.

When to use formal language

Use formal language when addressing:

• Elderly people
• Professionals (doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.)
• Strangers in public settings
• Authorities (police officers, government officials, etc.)
• In business or professional environments

In contrast, informal language is used with friends, family, and peers.

Pronouns and verb conjugation

In formal speech, use Lei (capitalized for respect) instead of “tu.” The verb is conjugated in the third person singular.

Tu sei (formal) → Lei è (informal) →You are
Tu hai (formal) → Lei ha (informal) → You have
Tu parli (formal) → Lei parla (informal) → You speak

Examples:

• Tu sei italiano/a? (Are you Italian? – informal)
• Lei è italiano/a? (Are you Italian? – formal)
• Tu hai un gatto? (Do you have a cat? – informal)
• Lei ha un cane? (Do you have a dog? – formal)
• Tu parli spagnolo? (Do you speak spanish? – informal)
• Lei parla tedesco? (Do you speak german? – formal)

Formal greetings and expressions

Greetings:

• Buongiorno (Good morning)ù
• Buonasera (Good evening)
• ArrivederLa (Goodbye – very formal)
• Arrivederci (Goodbye – still polite but less formal)

Polite expressions:

• Per favore / Per cortesia (Please)
• Grazie / La ringrazio (Thank you / I thank you – very formal)
• Mi scusi (Excuse me – formal)
• Le dispiace se…? (Would you mind if…?)

How to ask questions politely

When making requests, use the conditional form or “potrebbe” (could you…?)

• Mi puoi dire l’ora? (Can you tell me the time? – informal)
• Mi potrebbe dire l’ora? (Could you tell me the time? – formal)
• Puoi aiutarmi? (Can you help me? – informal)
• Mi potrebbe aiutare? (Could you help me? – formal)

Writing formal emails or letters

When writing formally, use:

• Egregio/a [Last Name] (Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name])
• Gentile [Title] (Dear [Title])
• Le scrivo per informarla che… (I am writing to inform you that…)
• Distinti saluti / Cordiali saluti (Best regards)

Example of a formal email:

Egregio Dottor Rossi,

Le scrivo per richiedere un appuntamento con Lei. Avrei bisogno di discutere alcuni dettagli importanti. Resto in attesa di una Sua gentile risposta.

Cordiali saluti,
Anna Bianchi

Conclusion

Mastering formal Italian will help you in professional and social situations, making you sound more polite and respectful. Practice switching between “tu” and “Lei,” and use polite expressions in conversations. Over time, it will become natural!

Practice:

Try rewriting the following informal sentences in a formal way:

1. “Mi dai un consiglio?”
2. “Puoi venire domani?”
3. “Mi aiuti con questo problema?”

You can write your answers in the comments. I’ll check and correct them for you! ✅