Ciao, come stai?
The English phrase "hello how are you" is translated into Italian as Ciao, come stai?
Ciao, come stai? is a common greeting used to start a conversation and ask about someone's well-being. While this phrase focuses specifically on a person's state, you can also use Come va? to more casually ask "How's it going?" Other ways to greet people include buongiorno for "good day", buonasera for "good evening" and salve, which can be used at any time of the day.
What does it mean word for word?
The part come stai? means "how are you?" The word come means "how" and stai is the second-person singular form of the verb stare, which literally means "to stay" or "to be" in the context of health or state.
Which one should you use?
In contrast, if you are speaking to a stranger, an elder or someone in a professional setting to show respect, you should use Ciao, come sta? instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase come stai? uses the informal second-person singular conjugation of the verb stare.
When do people say it?
A common natural response to Come stai? is Bene, grazie. E tu? (Fine, thanks. And you?).
Did you know?
- The word Ciao actually has its roots in the word for 'slave'. It originated from the Venetian expression s-ciao vostro, which meant 'I am your slave' or 'I am your humble servant'.
- In Italy, ciao is strictly informal. Using it with a boss or a stranger can be seen as overly familiar or even disrespectful, which is why salve or buongiorno are used instead.
Examples in context
- Buongiorno, come sta?Good morning, how are you?
- Buonasera, come si sente?Good evening, how do you feel?
- Ciao, come stai?Hi, how are you?
- beneWell
- molto beneVery well
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a cafe.
- GiuliaCiao, come stai?Hello, how are you?
- MatteoSto bene, grazie! E tu?I'm doing well, thanks! And you?
- GiuliaTutto bene, grazie.Everything is good, thanks.
- MatteoSono contento di sentirti.I am happy to hear that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciao, come, CC BY-SA 4.0.
