Buongiorno
everyday, polite
To a woman say Buongiorno. With a stranger add signora, and for a young woman signorina. A partner would hear Buongiorno, amore. It is also called Buongiorno, signora.
Meaning: morning greeting for a woman (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Italian | Note |
|---|---|
| Buongiorno | everyday, polite |
| Buongiorno, signora | formal |
| Buongiorno, amore | romantic |
Buongiorno is used from the morning until lunch and then gives way to Buon pomeriggio or Buonasera.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In shops and at work Buongiorno, signora is the standard. With friends Buongiorno alone is enough.
How does it change in a sentence?
The greeting has no gender. Only the title changes, with signora for a married or older woman and signorina for a young woman.
Did you know?
- Italians use signorina less and less today, and signora is often safer for adult women.
Examples in context
- Buongiorno, signora!Good morning, madam!
- Buongiorno, amore, hai dormito bene?Good morning, love, did you sleep well?
- Buongiorno, Chiara!Good morning, Chiara!
Example conversation
Luca meets his neighbor Maria on the stairs.
- LucaBuongiorno, signora Maria.Good morning, Mrs. Maria.
- MariaBuongiorno, Luca. Come stai?Good morning, Luca. How are you?
- LucaBene, grazie.Well, thanks.
