ciao
/ˈt͡ʃa.o/
The English slang phrase "peace out" can be translated into Italian as ciao.
In Italian, ciao is used as a slang way to signify departure.
Meaning: slang: to depart (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. It is pronounced /ˈtʃa.o/.
Did you know?
- Despite its modern use as a friendly greeting or farewell, the word ciao actually originates from the word for 'slave', specifically the Venetan term s-ciao.
- While English speakers use 'peace out' to signify a cool or sudden departure, an Italian speaker using ciao can use it for both arriving and leaving.
- Using ciao is considered informal, so using it with a stranger or a superior might be seen as overly familiar or even disrespectful in certain formal Italian contexts.
Example conversation
Sofia and Alessandro are finishing a hang out in the city.
- SofiaÈ stata una bella giornata, Sofia.It was a great day, Sofia.
- AlessandroSì, divertiamoci ancora presto.Yes, let's have fun again soon.
- SofiaIo torno a casa, ciao!I'm heading home, peace out!
- AlessandroA presto, Alessandro!See you soon, Alessandro!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ciao, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciao, CC BY-SA 4.0.
