addio per sempre
/adˈdi.o per ˈsɛm.pre/word by word
In Italian, the phrase for "goodbye forever" is addio per sempre.
This phrase is used to express a final farewell when the speaker expects they will never see the other person again.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of addio (goodbye/farewell) and per sempre (for always/forever).
Which one should you use?
While the word addio on its own can be used for a final farewell, it is much more dramatic and heavy than arrivederci, which is used for temporary departures.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The component addio is often perceived as more formal, poetic or permanent than the common ciao or arrivederci.
How do you pronounce it?
/adˈdi.o per ˈsɛm.pre/
Did you know?
- In some religious contexts, addio is used when a person enters a monastery or convent, signifying their 'death' to the secular world.
- The word addio is a contraction of the phrase a Dio, which literally means 'to God'.
- Because addio carries such a heavy sense of permanence, using it in a casual setting can be interpreted as a dramatic social snub or a breakup.
Examples in context
- Mi dispiace che sia arrivato il momento di dire addio per sempre.I'm sorry that the time has come to say goodbye forever.
- È un addio per sempre.It is a goodbye forever.
- Ti dico addio per sempre.I say goodbye forever to you.
- Non tornare più, addio per sempre.Don't come back anymore, goodbye forever.
Example conversation
Two former lovers meet one last time in a park.
- MatteoNon voglio più vederti, Martina.I don't want to see you anymore, Martina.
- MartinaVuoi davvero dirmi addio per sempre?Do you really want to say goodbye forever to me?
- MatteoSì, è meglio così.Yes, it is better this way.
- MartinaVa bene, addio per sempre, Matteo.Alright, goodbye forever, Matteo.
