Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| arrivederci | /ar.ri.veˈder.t͡ʃi/ |
| addio | /adˈdi.o/ |
| arrivederla | /ar.ri.veˈder.la/ |
| ciao | /ˈt͡ʃa.o/ |
Arrivederci is used to mean goodbye or until we see each other again. Ciao is a versatile term that can be used for both hello and goodbye. Addio can be used as an utterance of goodbye (noun) or as an interjection meaning farewell.
What does it mean word for word?
The word arrivederci is a combination of arriveder (until we see) and ci (each other/us).
Which one should you use?
Arrivederci implies that you will meet again, whereas addio often carries a sense of finality, a long-term separation or even goodbye forever. Arrivederci is more formal than ciao but less heavy or permanent than addio.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ciao is used in informal settings among friends and family. Arrivederci is a more formal option. Arrivederla is used to show extra respect or when speaking to someone of higher authority.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
arrivederla is used instead of arrivederci when addressing a single person with formal respect (until we see you).
How do you pronounce it?
The word arrivederci has five syllables and the stress is on the 4th syllable: /ar.ri.veˈder.tʃi/.
When do people say it?
In addition to standard goodbyes, you can use buona giornata to say have a good day, buona serata to say have a good evening or buona notte to say goodnight. Other common parting phrases include a presto (see you soon), ci vediamo (we'll see each other) and alla prossima (until next time).
Did you know?
- The common informal greeting ciao actually stems from an old expression meaning 'I am your slave'. It originated from the Venetan word s-ciao, meaning 'I am at your service'.
Examples in context
- Addio e buona fortuna.Goodbye and good luck.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of addio to wish someone luck.Tatoeba #1272293 by Guybrush88, translation #434818 by lukaszpp
- Disse addio sotto voce.He quietly said goodbye.Tatoeba #3350697 by bailujia, translation #922238 by zvaigzne
- Arrivederci, Bob e Nora.Goodbye, Bob and Nora.This sentence demonstrates how to use arrivederci when addressing multiple people.Tatoeba #1098118 by Guybrush88, translation #1098113 by cntrational
- 56 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are leaving a coffee shop.
- LorenzoÈ stato un piacere vederti, Sofia.It was a pleasure seeing you, Sofia.
- SofiaAnche per me, Lorenzo. A presto!For me too, Lorenzo. See you soon!
- LorenzoSì, arrivederci!Yes, goodbye!
- SofiaArrivederci e buona giornata!Goodbye and have a nice day!
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.
