ciao migliore amica
/ˈt͡ʃa.o miʎˈʎo.re aˈmi.ka/word by word
The English phrase "hi bestie" can be translated into Italian as ciao migliore amica.
The phrase is an informal greeting used to address a best friend.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈtʃa.o miʎˈʎo.re aˈmi.ka/. The first of six syllables is stressed.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might mistakenly use migliore amica as a single noun phrase like the English word "bestie", but in Italian, it is a literal construction meaning "best friend".
Did you know?
- The greeting ciao actually originated from the word for 'slave', specifically the Venetian expression 's-ciao vostro' meaning 'I am your humble servant'.
- In Italy, the concept of a 'best friend' often extends to a lifelong bond that is viewed as a familial relationship. It is common for a migliore amica to be referred to as a sister.
- If you wanted to sound even more informal and 'slangy' than using migliore amica, an Italian teenager might simply use the English loanword 'bestie' itself.
Example conversation
Sofia meets her best friend in a cafe.
- SofiaCiao migliore amica! Sei arrivata presto.Hi bestie! You arrived early.
- FrancescoSì, volevo prendere un tavolo.Yes, I wanted to get a table.
- SofiaHai fatto bene, c'è molta gente.You did the right thing, there are many people.
- FrancescoOrdiniamo qualcosa da bere?Shall we order something to drink?
