ciao tesoro
/ˈt͡ʃa.o teˈzɔ.ro/word by word
In Italian, ciao tesoro is the way to say hello darling.
ciao tesoro is an affectionate greeting used for a romantic partner or a loved one. It can be translated as "Hi, darling" or "Hello, sweetheart."
What does it mean word for word?
The word tesoro literally means "treasure".
Which one should you use?
While the word ciao can be used for both "hello" and "goodbye", the specific combination ciao tesoro functions as an affectionate greeting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase is informal and should only be used with people you have a close, affectionate relationship with.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃa.o teˈzɔ.ro/. The first of four syllables is stressed.
Did you know?
- The word ciao descends from a phrase meaning 'I am your slave', which was used as a humble way to say 'I am at your service'.
- In many parts of Italy, a person might use tesoro or tesoro mio to address someone they are not romantically involved with, such as a shopkeeper addressing a regular customer.
- In some Italian regions, tesoro is used by grandparents for grandchildren, moving the phrase beyond just romantic partnerships.
Examples in context
- Ciao tesoro, come stai?Hello darling, how are you?
- Ciao tesoro, bentornata a casa.Hello darling, welcome home.
- Ciao tesoro, ti ho cercata ovunque.Hello darling, I looked for you everywhere.
Example conversation
Matteo greets Chiara when she arrives home from work.
- MatteoCiao tesoro, com'è andata la giornata?Hello darling, how was your day?
- ChiaraCiao Matteo, è stata molto lunga.Hello Matteo, it was very long.
- MatteoTi preparo subito un caffè.I'll make you a coffee right away.
- ChiaraGrazie, sei davvero gentile.Thank you, you are very kind.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ciao, tesoro) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciao, tesoro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
