What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Hi to everyone".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ciao a tutti is informal and is used with friends, family or peers. For more formal situations, you can use Buongiorno a tutti! (Good morning/Good day everyone!), Salve a tutti! (Greetings, everyone!) or Buonasera a tutti! (Good evening, everyone!) in the evening or late afternoon. If you want a polite but slightly less casual option than Ciao, you can use Salve a tutti to mean "Hello everyone".
How does it change in a sentence?
While Ciao a tutti is the standard for mixed groups, if the group being addressed consists entirely of women, the phrase changes to Ciao a tutte. Additionally, the word ragazzi used in informal greetings like Salve ragazzi! is gendered and refers to a group of males or a mixed-gender group.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈtʃa.o a ˈtut.ti/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word ciao has a surprisingly humble origin, as it derives from the Venetan word for 'slave'. It evolved from the expression 'I am your slave' to mean 'I am at your service' before becoming a casual greeting.
- The word ciao is a linguistic chameleon that can function as both a greeting and a farewell, depending on the context.
- In Italy, it is common to use ciao with people you have just met if they are your age or younger, even if you are not yet 'friends'.
Examples in context
- Ciao a tutti, sono Tom.Hi everyone, I'm Tom.This sentence shows how to introduce yourself using Ciao a tutti.Tatoeba #5288069 by Guybrush88, translation #5287420 by Hybrid
- Ciao a tutti.Hi, everyone.This is a simple example of using Ciao a tutti as a greeting.Tatoeba #4561129 by Guybrush88, translation #499391 by hoangphuong_92
- Buongiorno a tutti! Sono felice di essere qui oggiGood morning, everyone! I'm happy to be here today
- Salve a tutti! Spero che la vostra giornata stia procedendo beneGreetings, everyone! I hope your day is going well
- Ciao a tutti! Spero che vi stiate divertendoHi everyone! I hope you're all having fun
- Saluti a tutti! Sono felice di essere qui con voi oggiGreetings to all! I'm happy to be here with you today
- Ciao a tutti, come state oggi?Hi everyone, how are you today?
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo enters a small cafe where Giulia and her friends are sitting.
- MatteoCiao a tutti!Hi everyone!
- GiuliaCiao Matteo, vieni a sederti!Hi Matteo, come sit down!
- MatteoGrazie, sono molto felice di vedervi.Thanks, I am very happy to see you all.
- GiuliaAnche noi, siediti pure.Us too, please have a seat.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ciao, a, tutti) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, ciao, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
