Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| buona giornata | ||
| arrivederci | /ar.ri.veˈder.t͡ʃi/ | |
| arrivederla | /ar.ri.veˈder.la/ | formal |
| ciao | /ˈt͡ʃa.o/ | informal |
Buona giornata is a parting wish most commonly used during the morning or afternoon to wish someone a good remainder of the day. While buon giorno is a greeting used when arriving, buona giornata is used when leaving.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase buona giornata literally means 'good day', referring to the duration of the day.
Which one should you use?
buona giornata focuses on wishing someone a good day as you part ways. arrivederci and arrivederla are more standard ways to say 'goodbye'. ciao is a casual way to say 'hello' or 'goodbye'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
arrivederla is a highly formal version of arrivederci, used when addressing someone with great respect or in professional settings. In casual settings, you can use ciao. For the specific wish of having a nice day, Le auguro una buona giornata! is a formal way to say 'I wish you a good day!' Conversely, Passa una bella giornata! is an informal way to say 'Have a beautiful day!'
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Milanese dialect, Bona jurnada! is a local version similar to buona giornata!
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form passa una buona giornata is used when speaking to someone you know well (tu), while the form passi una buona giornata is used when speaking to someone in a formal context (Lei).
Did you know?
- The word ciao is a linguistic relative of the English word 'slave' through their shared root in the Medieval Latin sclavus.
Examples in context
- Passa una buona giornata, Tom.Have a nice day, Tom.This sentence shows how to address a specific person using buona giornata.Tatoeba #3494685 by Guybrush88, translation #3371184 by CK
- Passa una buona giornata.Have a nice day.This sentence demonstrates the standalone use of buona giornata.Tatoeba #693037 by ver, translation #30085 by CK
- Buona giornata a tutti!Have a nice day, everyone!
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are leaving a small cafe.
- FrancescoCiao, Chiara!Bye, Chiara!
- ChiaraCiao, Francesco! Buona giornata.Bye, Francesco! Have a nice day.
- FrancescoGrazie, anche a te!Thanks, you too!
- ChiaraA presto!See you soon!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “have a nice day” translations and entries buona giornata, arrivederci, arrivederla, ciao, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arrivederci, arrivederla, ciao, giornata, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
