Ciao e grazie
/ˈt͡ʃa.o ˈe ˈɡrat.t͡sje/word by word
In Italian, "hello and thank you" is expressed as Ciao e grazie.
This phrase is used to provide a friendly greeting combined with an expression of gratitude. The word grazie is the most common way to say "thank you" in Italian.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ciao (hello/hi), e (and) and grazie (thanks/thank you).
Which one should you use?
For a more formal or polite setting, such as with a stranger or a superior, use Buongiorno e grazie (Good morning/day and thank you) instead.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Because it uses ciao, this phrase is informal and suitable for friends, family or casual acquaintances.
How do you pronounce it?
The first of five syllables is stressed.
Did you know?
- The casual greeting ciao actually has its roots in the word for 'slave', evolving from the Venetian expression s-ciao vostro, which meant 'I am your slave' or 'I am at your service'.
- If you want to say 'thank you very much', you add mille to grazie, which literally means 'a thousand thanks'.
- The word grazie is actually the plural form of the noun grazia, which means 'grace'.
Examples in context
- Ciao e grazie mille per l'aiuto.Hello and thank you very much for the help.
- Ciao e grazie per essere venuto.Hello and thank you for coming.
Example conversation
Lorenzo meets Giulia at a cafe where she gave him a coffee.
- LorenzoCiao e grazie per il caffè, Giulia.Hello and thank you for the coffee, Giulia.
- GiuliaDi nulla, Lorenzo! Prego.You're welcome, Lorenzo! Don't mention it.
- LorenzoSei molto gentile.You are very kind.
- GiuliaNon c'è di che.It was nothing.
