Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| arrivederci | /ar.ri.veˈder.t͡ʃi/ |
| addio | /adˈdi.o/ |
| arrivederla | /ar.ri.veˈder.la/ |
| ciao | /ˈt͡ʃa.o/ |
Arrivederci is a common formal way to say goodbye or until we meet again. Ciao is a versatile word used for both hello and goodbye, primarily in casual situations. If you plan to see someone later in the day, you can use the casual phrase a dopo or a presto (see you soon).
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).
Which one should you use?
Arrivederci implies a future meeting, whereas addio is much more heavy and often implies a permanent or long-term separation. addio can also be used as a noun meaning an utterance of goodbye.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For casual situations among friends and family, use ciao to say bye or see you. For formal situations, arrivederci is a common choice. Arrivederla is a formal version of arrivederci used for older people or those of higher social status.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a single person with the formal Lei register, use the form arrivederla instead of arrivederci.
How do you pronounce it?
arrivederci is pronounced /ar.ri.veˈder.tʃi/ and has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- The casual greeting ciao actually derives from an old Venetian word for 'slave', which was part of a phrase meaning 'I am your humble servant'.
Examples in context
- Addio e buona fortuna.Goodbye and good luck.This sentence uses addio to express a wish for good luck.Tatoeba #1272293 by Guybrush88, translation #434818 by lukaszpp
- Disse addio sotto voce.He quietly said goodbye.This sentence shows addio being used as a noun for a spoken goodbye.Tatoeba #3350697 by bailujia, translation #922238 by zvaigzne
- Arrivederci, Bob e Nora.Goodbye, Bob and Nora.This sentence uses arrivederci to say goodbye to two people.Tatoeba #1098118 by Guybrush88, translation #1098113 by cntrational
- 56 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are leaving a small coffee shop.
- MartinaArrivederci, Matteo!Goodbye, Matteo!
- MatteoArrivederci, Martina.Goodbye, Martina.
- MartinaCi vediamo presto.See you soon.
- MatteoA presto!See you soon!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goodbye” translations and entries arrivederci, addio, arrivederla, ciao, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries addio, arrivederci, arrivederla, ciao, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
