arrivederci
/ar.ri.veˈder.t͡ʃi/
To say goodbye formally in Italian, you use arrivederci.
arrivederci is a standard way to say goodbye in a formal setting. It is used to express the sentiment of "until we see each other again."
Which one should you use?
While arrivederci is a standard formal goodbye, arrivederLa is a more respectful version specifically used when addressing a single person formally.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a single person, you can use arrivederLa instead of arrivederci to utilize the formal Lei (You) form.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of arrivederci is /ar.ri.veˈder.tʃi/. It has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- The formal goodbye arrivederci shares a common linguistic root with the Russian do svidánija and Bulgarian doviždane, as both stem from ancient roots meaning 'to see'.
- Despite its formality, arrivederci is often replaced by the informal ciao the moment a professional relationship becomes friendly, often during a single conversation.
- In very strict formal settings, using arrivederLa instead of arrivederci serves as a social signal that you are addressing someone of significantly higher professional or social rank.
Examples in context
- Arrivederci, buona giornata!Goodbye, have a nice day!
- ArrivederLa.Goodbye – formal response
- Arrivederci, professore.Goodbye, professor.
- Arrivederci a tutti.Goodbye to everyone.
Example conversation
Alessandro is leaving a business meeting with Sofia.
- AlessandroÈ stato un piacere, Sofia.It was a pleasure, Sofia.
- SofiaAnche per me, Alessandro.For me too, Alessandro.
- AlessandroAllora, arrivederci.Well then, goodbye.
- SofiaArrivederci e a presto.Goodbye and see you soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry arrivederci, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arrivederci, CC BY-SA 4.0.
