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How to Say ‘Thank goodness’ in Italian

Meno male

MEH-noh MAH-leh

[MEH-noh MAH-leh]

💬 Usage Tip: Word for word it's "less bad", but it means relief, like "phew" or "thank goodness". It's a fixed expression, so don't translate the parts separately.

Phrase Breakdown

Meno

[MEH-noh]

less

Means 'less'; with 'male' forms 'thank goodness'.

Example

Meno male che sei arrivato.

Thank goodness you arrived.

male

[MAH-leh]

Bad

Denotes something poor in quality or unpleasant.

Example

Il rapitore dice che se non si fa come dice lui, le cose andranno male.

The kidnapper says that if things aren't done his way, things will go badly.

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