arrivederci
/ar.ri.veˈder.t͡ʃi/
The Italian way to say goodbye formally is arrivederci.
arrivederci is a common formal way to say goodbye or see you again.
What does it mean word for word?
The word arrivederci literally means "until we see each other again". It is a combination of a (to), rivedere (see again) and the suffix -ci (us/each other).
Which one should you use?
Use arrivederci for formal or semi-formal situations, whereas ciao is strictly informal and used with friends or family. Addio is a formal and final way to say goodbye, typically used when you don't expect to see the person again.
How do you pronounce it?
/ar.ri.veˈder.tʃi/. The word has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- The word addio is literally a combination of a (to) and dio (God), essentially meaning 'to God' or 'commending you to God'.
- The phrase arrivederci shares a deep linguistic root with the Russian do svidánija and Bulgarian doviždane, as both stem from ancient words for 'seeing'.
- While arrivederci is used for people, you might use arrivederla to show even higher respect to a single person, as the suffix changes to a formal third-person form.
Examples in context
- Mi dispiace devo andare. Arrivederci!I'm sorry, I have to go. Goodbye!
- Arrivederci, professore.Goodbye, professor.
- Arrivederci a tutti.Goodbye to everyone.
- Arrivederci, ci vediamo domani.Goodbye, see you tomorrow.
Example conversation
Martina is leaving a business meeting with Francesco.
- MartinaÈ stato un piacere conoscerla, Francesco.It was a pleasure meeting you, Francesco.
- FrancescoAnche per me, Martina. A presto.For me too, Martina. See you soon.
- MartinaVa bene. Arrivederci.All right. Goodbye.
- FrancescoArrivederci, buona giornata.Goodbye, have a nice day.
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.
