Arrivederci
neutral, polite
Arrivederci is the standard Italian goodbye, literally "until we see each other again". It suits shops, offices and most everyday meetings. It is also called ArrivederLa and Ciao.
Meaning: goodbye (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Italian | Note |
|---|---|
| Arrivederci | neutral, polite |
| ArrivederLa | formal |
| Ciao | casual |
| A presto | see you soon |
A presto means "see you soon" and is a friendlier way to part when you expect to meet again.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The very formal form is ArrivederLa, which uses the polite Lei, for example to a doctor or an older stranger. Friends say Ciao or Ci vediamo.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Ciao can mean both hello and bye, but with strangers in a formal setting Arrivederci is the safer word.
Did you know?
- The word Arrivederci joins a, rivedere (to see again) and ci (each other).
Examples in context
- Arrivederci e grazieGoodbye and thank you
- ArrivederLa, dottoreGoodbye, doctor
- A presto, ragazziSee you soon, guys
Example conversation
Anna leaves a bakery in Rome after buying bread from the owner Carlo.
- CarloEcco il pane, signora.Here is the bread, madam.
- AnnaGrazie mille. Arrivederci!Thank you very much. Goodbye!
- CarloArrivederci, buona giornata.Goodbye, have a good day.
