Which one should you use?
Arrivederci Italia is the standard expression, whereas Ciao Italia is a more casual way to say "Bye Italy".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Arrivederci Italia uses the word Arrivederci, which is a formal way to say goodbye meaning "until we meet again". In contrast, Ciao Italia is informal. For a very formal or heartfelt farewell, often used when parting ways indefinitely or in solemn situations, one might use Addio. For casual settings, you can use A presto (see you soon) or Ci vediamo (we'll see each other).
How does it change in a sentence?
In written Italian, it is typical to use a comma to separate the farewell from the person or place being addressed, such as Arrivederci, Italia.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 7 syllables and the stress is on the 4th syllable.
When do people say it?
When saying goodbye in Italy, you can also wish someone a good day by saying Buona giornata or a good evening by saying Buona serata.
Did you know?
- The name Italia likely comes from the Oscan word víteliú, meaning 'land of bulls'. This originally referred only to the southwestern tip of the Italian peninsula.
- In Italy, it is common to accompany a farewell with a bacetto, or a light kiss on both cheeks. This gesture is often used even in semi-formal social circles.
- While Arrivederci is used for a return, the word Addio is used for a final farewell. It combines a and Dio, literally wishing the person to 'God'.
Examples in context
- Grazie per l'incontro. Arrivederci!Thank you for the meeting. Goodbye!
- Mi dispiace che sia giunto il momento dell'addio.I'm sorry that the time for goodbye has come.
- Mi devo muovere. Ciao!I have to go. Bye!
- Mi è piaciuto molto stare con te. A presto!I really enjoyed spending time with you. See you soon!
- È stato fantastico vederti. Ci vediamo!It was great to see you. See you!
- Arrivederci Italia, mi mancherai molto.Goodbye Italy, I will miss you a lot.
- È tempo di partire, arrivederci Italia.It is time to leave, goodbye Italy.
- Guardo il tramonto e dico: arrivederci Italia.I look at the sunset and say: goodbye Italy.
Example conversation
Chiara is at the airport preparing to fly back home.
- ChiaraIl mio volo è tra poco.My flight is in a little bit.
- AlessandroSì, è il momento di dire arrivederci Italia.Yes, it is time to say goodbye Italy.
- ChiaraArrivederci Italia, tornerò sicuramente.Goodbye Italy, I will definitely return.
- AlessandroTi aspettiamo qui, Chiara.We will be waiting for you here, Chiara.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (arrivederci, Italia) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Italia, arrivederci, CC BY-SA 4.0.
