Ciao
/ˈt͡ʃa.o/
In Italian, Ciao is used to say hello and bye.
Ciao is a common and versatile greeting used both when arriving and when leaving. While it functions as a greeting, other options include Buon giorno for good day or good morning and buonasera for good evening.
Which one should you use?
Ciao is used for informal interactions, whereas in formal settings, such as with strangers or superiors, you should use Buongiorno (good day) or Arrivederci (goodbye) instead.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ciao is an informal greeting suitable for use with friends, family and people you know well. For more formal situations, you might use Salve to say hello or use the phrase Piacere di conoscerla to say you are pleased to meet someone.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃa.o/. The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st of 2.
Did you know?
- The word Ciao originally comes from the word for 'slave'. It was a shortened version of a phrase meaning 'I am your slave' or 'I am at your service'.
- The word Ciao is a linguistic relative of the Swedish greeting tjena, which also evolved from an expression of being a servant or being at someone's disposal.
- In many parts of Italy, if you use Ciao with a shopkeeper or a waiter you do not know, it can be perceived as a lack of respect or an overly familiar attitude.
Examples in context
- Ciao, come stai?Hi, how are you?
- Ciao, a domani!Bye, see you tomorrow!
- Ciao a tutti!Hello everyone!
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara meet briefly on a street in the afternoon.
- LorenzoCiao, Chiara!Hi, Chiara!
- ChiaraCiao, Lorenzo!Hi, Lorenzo!
- LorenzoDevo andare via ora.I have to go now.
- ChiaraVa bene, ciao!Alright, bye!
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry ciao.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciao, CC BY-SA 4.0.
