salutare qualcuno
/sa.luˈta.re kwalˈku.no/word by word
In Italian, to say goodbye to someone is salutare qualcuno.
The phrase salutare qualcuno describes the act of bidding someone farewell or greeting them. The verb salutare covers the entire interaction of greeting or saying goodbye, such as the verbalization or the waving of a hand.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb salutare means to greet or to say goodbye.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In more formal contexts, particularly in northern Italy, people tend to use Arrivederla instead of Arrivederci.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase salutare qualcuno uses a direct object, which means you do not need to include a preposition like 'a' between the verb and the person being greeted or bid farewell.
How do you pronounce it?
/sa.luˈta.re kwalˈku.no/
Did you know?
- In some Italian social contexts, failing to salutare everyone in a small room when leaving is considered a significant social faux pas, regardless of how well you know the people.
- The Latin root of salutare is related to 'salus', which means 'health' or 'safety'.
- The word salutare shares the same root as the English word 'salute'. While 'salute' in English is a formal military gesture, in Italian it is the common verb used for any casual hello or goodbye.
Examples in context
- Devo salutare qualcuno alla porta.I have to say goodbye to someone at the door.
- È difficile salutare qualcuno che ami.It is difficult to say goodbye to someone you love.
- Vado a salutare qualcuno prima di partire.I am going to say goodbye to someone before leaving.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are leaving a small party.
- LorenzoDevo salutare qualcuno prima di andare via.I have to say goodbye to someone before going away.
- GiuliaVuoi che ti accompagni a salutare la tua amica?Do you want me to accompany you to say goodbye to your friend?
- LorenzoSì, grazie Giulia, sei molto gentile.Yes, thank you Giulia, you are very kind.
- GiuliaPrego, andiamo allora.You're welcome, let's go then.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (salutare, qualcuno) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries qualcuno, salutare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
