Ciao
casual, friends
To a man you know well, say Ciao. To a man you do not know, say Buongiorno, signore during the day or Buonasera, signore in the evening. It is also called Salve.
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Italian | Note |
|---|---|
| Ciao | casual, friends |
| Salve | neutral |
| Buongiorno, signore | polite, stranger |
Friends greet each other with Ciao and may add come stai, "how are you".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
With an older man or in a formal place, add signore or his surname, for example Buongiorno, signor Rossi. Salve is a neutral greeting that fits when you are unsure.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word signore is the form for a man. For a woman it is signora, and before a surname it shortens to signor Rossi.
Did you know?
- The word ciao comes from a Venetian phrase meaning "I am your slave" and now serves for both hello and bye.
Examples in context
- Ciao, MarcoHello, Marco
- Salve, signoreHello, sir
Example conversation
Giulia enters a shop in Milan and greets the owner, Mr. Rossi.
- GiuliaBuongiorno, signor Rossi.Good morning, Mr. Rossi.
- RossiBuongiorno, signorina. Come posso aiutarla?Good morning, miss. How can I help you?
- GiuliaCerco una cintura.I am looking for a belt.
