Buongiorno
everyday, polite
To a man say Buongiorno. With a stranger or an older man add signore, as in Buongiorno, signore. Friends sometimes say the shorter Buondì.
Meaning: morning greeting for a man (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Italian | Note |
|---|---|
| Buongiorno | everyday, polite |
| Buongiorno, signore | formal |
| Buondì | casual |
Buongiorno is used until about lunch time and then gives way to Buon pomeriggio or Buonasera.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In shops and offices use Buongiorno, signore. With a partner you can say Buongiorno, amore.
How does it change in a sentence?
The greeting itself has no gender. Only the title changes, with signore for a man and signora for a woman.
Did you know?
- Many Italians drink their coffee standing at the bar in the morning, and a quick Buongiorno comes with it.
Examples in context
- Buongiorno, signore!Good morning, sir!
- Buongiorno, Marco, hai dormito bene?Good morning, Marco, did you sleep well?
- Buondì!Good day!
Example conversation
A Waiter greets a Customer in a café in Florence.
- WaiterBuongiorno, signore. Cosa prende?Good morning, sir. What will you have?
- CustomerBuongiorno. Un caffè, per favore.Good morning. A coffee, please.
- WaiterSubito.Right away.
