ciao ragazzi
/ˈt͡ʃa.o raˈɡat.t͡si/word by word
The English phrase "hey guys" can be 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 phrase literally translates to "hi boys" or "hi guys".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ciao ragazzi is an informal greeting and is not appropriate for formal settings or when addressing superiors. For a formal way to say "Greetings, everyone", you can use Salve a tutti.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ragazzi is the masculine plural form and is used to refer to a group of males or a mixed-gender group. If the group being addressed consists entirely of females, you should use ciao ragazze instead of ciao ragazzi.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word ciao comes from the Venetan phrase s-ciao vostro, which literally means 'I am your slave'.
- The expression ciao ragazzi is often used by teachers or parents to address children, regardless of the children's actual age.
- In certain parts of Italy, using ciao can feel slightly too informal if you are not close friends with the group, even if the setting is not strictly professional.
Examples in context
- Ciao ragazzi. Come va?Hey, guys. What's up?This sentence is useful for practicing the greeting ciao ragazzi.Tatoeba #2510645 by makija, translation #2185188 by Hybrid
- Ciao ragazzi, come state?Hey guys, how are you?
- Ciao ragazzi, ci vediamo dopo.Hey guys, see you later.
Example conversation
Chiara arrives at a cafe to meet Alessandro and his friends.
- ChiaraCiao ragazzi!Hey guys!
- AlessandroCiao Chiara, vieni a sederti.Hey Chiara, come sit down.
- ChiaraGrazie, Alessandro.Thanks, Alessandro.
- AlessandroPrego, di cosa vuoi bere?You're welcome, what do you want to drink?
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.
