FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesTaking a TaxiGrazie, è stato un ottimo servizio.
A2formal

Grazie, è stato un ottimo servizio.

Thank you, that was excellent service.

Pronunciation

'Ottimo' — 'OT-ti-mo'. Three syllables; double 't'; stress on first syllable.

When to use it

Use when exiting the taxi after a pleasant or efficient journey, as a genuine compliment that encourages good service.

What it means

'È stato un ottimo servizio' uses 'essere' in the passato prossimo to describe a past experience. 'Ottimo' is the absolute superlative of 'buono' (good) — it means excellent/first-rate without needing 'molto'.

Variations

È stato un piacere viaggiare con lei.

It was a pleasure travelling with you.

Personal and warm; 'con lei' (with you, formal) is respectful.

La consiglio ai miei amici.

I'll recommend you to my friends.

The highest compliment for an Italian taxi driver.

Tornerò a usare il suo taxi.

I'll use your taxi again.

Signals repeat business — very appreciated.

Mini Dialogue

— Grazie, è stato un ottimo servizio. — Prego! È stato un piacere. — Tornerò sicuramente. — La aspetto. Buona permanenza in città.

— Thank you, that was excellent service. — You're welcome! It was a pleasure. — I'll definitely be back. — I look forward to it. Enjoy your stay in the city.

Cultural Note

Complimenting an Italian professional is genuinely appreciated and culturally important. Italian service workers take pride in their work — recognising good service creates a warm ending to the interaction and may get you the driver's card for future use.