Ciao
/ˈt͡ʃa.o/
In Italian, bye is expressed as Ciao.
Ciao is a short way to say goodbye and is used in informal settings. It is also used to say 'hi'.
Meaning: short for goodbye (intj)
Which one should you use?
While Ciao can be used for both 'hi' and 'bye' in informal settings, Arrivederci is used specifically to mean 'Goodbye'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ciao is an informal term. If you need a more formal way to say goodbye, use Arrivederci.
Did you know?
- The word Ciao actually originates from the word for 'slave', specifically the Venetian expression s-ciao vostro meaning 'I am your slave'.
- While Ciao is used for both 'hi' and 'bye', it is common to use Ciao ciao when leaving. Doubling the word often makes the goodbye sound more affectionate or lighthearted.
- The formal goodbye Arrivederci literally translates to 'until we see each other again'. This reflects a cultural emphasis on the certainty of a future meeting.
Examples in context
- Ciao.Bye.This example shows a simple use of Ciao.Tatoeba #4522287 by Guybrush88, translation #1903709 by AsliAbbasi
- Vado. Ciao!I’m off. Bye!This sentence is useful for saying you are leaving using Ciao.Tatoeba #5838895 by dnnywld, translation #12838377 by JeanM
- Ciao!Bye!This sentence is useful for saying bye with Ciao.Tatoeba #607364 by Cero, translation #647456 by Hans07
- Grazie per l'incontro. Arrivederci!Thank you for the meeting. Goodbye!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are leaving a coffee shop.
- MatteoA presto, Chiara.See you soon, Chiara.
- ChiaraSì, ciao!Yes, bye!
- MatteoTi chiamo domani.I will call you tomorrow.
- ChiaraVa bene, ciao.Okay, bye.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry ciao.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciao, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
