ciao ragazzi
/ˈt͡ʃa.o raˈɡat.t͡si/word by word
The English phrase "hello guys" is translated into Italian as ciao ragazzi.
ciao ragazzi is an informal greeting used to address a group of people.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ragazzi is the plural form of ragazzo, which literally means "boy" or "guy".
Which one should you use?
While ciao can be used for both "hello" and "goodbye", you might use Buongiorno ragazzi to say "good morning guys" if you want to be more polite.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ciao ragazzi is informal. You should avoid using it in formal settings or when addressing people of much higher social status or older age.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine plural ragazzi is used as a mixed-gender term to address a group containing both males and females. However, if the group consists entirely of females, you should use ciao ragazze instead of ciao ragazzi.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word ciao has a surprising history as it actually derives from the Venetian word for 'slave', specifically from the expression meaning 'I am your humble servant'.
- Despite its prevalence worldwide, ciao was not used as a general greeting in most of Italy until the 20th century.
- The use of ciao as a greeting is similar to the German word servus, which also derives from the Latin word for 'servant'.
Examples in context
- Ciao ragazzi, io sono Tom e sono qui con Mary.Hello guys, I'm Tom and I'm here with Mary.This sentence is useful for introducing yourself and others while using ciao ragazzi.Tatoeba #2731145 by Guybrush88, translation #1542550 by Spamster
- Buongiorno ragazzi, sono qui per la riunione.Good morning guys, I'm here for the meeting.
- Buonasera ragazzi, come state?Good evening guys, how are you all?
- Salve ragazzi, vorrei presentarvi il nostro direttore.Hello guys, I would like to introduce our director.
- Ciao ragazzi, che fate stasera?Hi guys, what are you doing tonight?
- Salutoni ragazzi, mi siete mancati!Hello guys, I missed you all!
- Ciao ragazzi, come state?Hello guys, how are you?
- Ciao ragazzi, pronti per la festa?Hello guys, ready for the party?
Example conversation
Lorenzo enters a room where Sofia and her friends are gathered.
- LorenzoCiao ragazzi!Hello guys!
- SofiaCiao Lorenzo, che bello vederti!Hi Lorenzo, it's great to see you!
- LorenzoGrazie, come va?Thanks, how's it going?
- SofiaTutto bene, vieni a sederti!Everything's fine, come sit down!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ciao, ragazzi) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciao, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
