manda i miei saluti
The English phrase "send my love" is expressed in Italian as manda i miei saluti.
This phrase is used when you want to ask someone to pass your affectionate greetings to another person. While an English speaker might say "send my love", an Italian speaker will typically use manda i miei saluti or saluta [persona] da parte mia to convey the same sentiment of warm regards.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase manda i miei saluti literally translates to "send my greetings". It is built from the verb mandare (to send).
Which one should you use?
While manda i miei saluti is a standard way to express this, a very common and natural alternative is saluta [persona] da parte mia, which means "greet [person] on my behalf".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In very close or informal relationships, Italians may instead use the informal expression mandami un bacio, which means "send me a kiss".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the verb mandare, which means "to send". Another verb that also means "to send" is inviare.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use the word 'love' to express this sentiment, using 'amore' in an Italian greeting like manda il mio amore would often sound inappropriately romantic or intense.
- The term saluti comes from the Latin salus, which refers to both 'greeting' and 'health', meaning that when you send your love, you are historically wishing the recipient good health.
- In very formal settings, Italians may swap the verb manda for porti, which means 'carry', treating the greetings as if they are physical objects being transported.
Examples in context
- Le porgo i miei affettuosi saluti.I send you my affectionate regards.
Example conversation
Sofia is leaving Alessandro's house after a visit.
- AlessandroCiao Sofia, ci vediamo presto!Bye Sofia, see you soon!
- SofiaVa bene, a presto!Okay, see you soon!
- AlessandroManda i miei saluti a tua sorella.Send my love to your sister.
- SofiaGrazie, glieli porterò sicuramente.Thanks, I will definitely give them to her.
