How to Say ‘To You’ in Italian
A Lei
ah LAY
[ah LAY]
💬 Usage Tip: Lei with a capital letter is the polite you, and after a it becomes a Lei. The capital letter may be omitted in modern writing, but the polite meaning stays the same.
🇮🇹 In Italy: This polite form suits customer service and strangers. In everyday speech, the respect comes from the verb and context, even if you don't see the capital letter written.
Phrase Breakdown
A
[ah]
to you
Polite form of addressing someone.
A Lei, buon signore, offro un vino speciale.
To you, good sir, I offer a special wine.
Lei
[LAY]
you (formal)
Polite form of addressing someone directly.
Questo regalo è per Lei.
This gift is for you.
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