ciao
/ˈt͡ʃa.o/
The English phrase "hi" can be translated into Italian as ciao.
ciao is a versatile, informal greeting used throughout the day that is equivalent to both "hi" and "bye".
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
Which one should you use?
While ciao can be used for both hello and goodbye, it is strictly informal. In formal situations where ciao would be too casual, you should use Buongiorno (good morning/day) or buonasera (good evening) instead.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈtʃa.o/ and has 2 syllables. The stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word ciao actually began as a humble expression of servitude, originally meaning 'I am your slave' or 'I am at your service'.
- While ciao is the universal informal greeting, some Italians use the variant ciaone to express a more emphatic or exaggerated goodbye.
- In Italy, using ciao with a stranger or a superior can be seen as an unintended sign of disrespect or over-familiarity.
Examples in context
- Ciao, tu sei Tom?Hi, are you Tom?This sentence uses ciao to ask someone if they are Tom.Tatoeba #7096281 by Guybrush88, translation #4036990 by Hybrid
- Ciao, come va oggi?Hi, how are you doing today?This sentence uses ciao to ask how someone is doing today.Tatoeba #9740460 by Guybrush88, translation #9189170 by DJ_Saidez
- Ciao Mimi! Come stai?Hi, Mimi! How are you doing?This sentence uses ciao to greet Mimi and ask how she is.Tatoeba #423804 by Pharamp, translation #54601 by Zifre
- Buongiorno, come stai?Good morning, how are you?
- Salve, è un piacere conoscerla.Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you.
- Ciao, come va?Hi, how are you?
- 83 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco see each other on the street.
- ChiaraCiao, Francesco!Hi, Francesco!
- FrancescoCiao, Chiara!Hi, Chiara!
- ChiaraCome va?How is it going?
- FrancescoTutto bene, grazie.Everything is fine, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hi” translations and entries ciao, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciao, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
