Which one should you use?
While arrivederci is a common way to express this sentiment, other options exist depending on the situation. Ci vediamo presto means "see you soon", while A dopo means "until later". Even Addio can be used to mean "goodbye" in a casual setting. For a very specific formal nuance, one might use In attesa di rivederci, which literally means "in anticipation of seeing each other again".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
arrivederci is a polite and formal way to say goodbye, making it suitable for use in shops, restaurants or when speaking to people you do not know well. If you are addressing a single person and wish to be even more formal, you can use arrivederla. Conversely, Ci vediamo presto is a popular informal way to express the hope of meeting again. A dopo is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
The stress is on the 4th of 5 syllables.
Did you know?
- The phrase arrivederci shares a common root with the Russian do svidánija and Bulgarian doviždane, as both stem from an ancient Indo-European root meaning 'to see'.
- While arrivederci is the standard farewell, addio is used when you believe you may never see the person again, as it literally means 'to God'.
- Using arrivederci in a situation where you know the person is leaving forever can sound unintentionally ironic or dramatic.
Examples in context
- Arrivederci, Bob e Nora.Until we meet again, Bob and Nora.This sentence shows how to use arrivederci when addressing two people.Tatoeba #1098118 by Guybrush88, translation #2490790 by Opiejay888
- Arrivederci a domani!See you tomorrow!
- Arrivederci, è stato un piacere.Goodbye, it was a pleasure.
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are finishing a coffee at a cafe.
- MatteoGrazie per il caffè, Chiara.Thanks for the coffee, Chiara.
- ChiaraPrego, Matteo. Devo andare ora.You're welcome, Matteo. I have to go now.
- MatteoArrivederci!Until we meet again!
- ChiaraArrivederci, a presto!Goodbye, see you soon!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry arrivederci, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arrivederci, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
