Ciao
casual
Beginners need three Italian greetings: Ciao for friends, Buongiorno for the morning and daytime, and Buonasera for the evening.
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Italian | Note |
|---|---|
| Ciao | casual |
| Buongiorno | formal, morning and daytime |
| Buonasera | formal, evening |
Use Buongiorno and Buonasera in shops, restaurants and with anyone you do not know. Use Ciao with friends, family and children.
How do you pronounce it?
Ciao sounds like "chow". Buongiorno sounds like "bwon-JOR-no" and Buonasera like "bwo-na-SEH-ra".
What mistakes should you avoid?
A common mistake is saying Ciao to a shopkeeper or an older stranger. It sounds too casual.
Did you know?
- Buongiorno is written as one word in Italian, even though it literally means "good day".
Examples in context
- Buongiorno, signora.Hello, madam.
- Buonasera, un tavolo per due, per favore.Good evening, a table for two, please.
- Ciao, come stai?Hi, how are you?
Example conversation
Tom walks into a small hotel in Naples and greets the receptionist, Rosa.
- TomBuongiorno!Hello!
- RosaBuongiorno, benvenuto.Hello, welcome.
- TomGrazie mille.Thank you very much.
