What does it mean word for word?
The phrase cordiali saluti is composed of the adjective cordiali (cordial/warm) and the noun saluti (greetings).
Which one should you use?
While cordiali saluti is a formal and plural expression, un caro saluto is a more personal, singular and informal way to say 'warm regards' to someone you know.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
cordiali saluti is a standard formal closing used in business correspondence or professional emails. For an informal and affectionate way to say 'warm regards', which translates to 'many dear regards', use Tanti cari saluti. If you are writing to close friends or family, you can use the informal phrase Un sincero abbraccio, meaning 'a sincere hug'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase cordiali saluti, the adjective cordiali must agree in gender and number with the plural masculine noun saluti.
Did you know?
- In very formal Italian business letters, cordiali saluti is often preceded by the phrase Voglia gradire, which asks the recipient to 'kindly accept' the greetings.
- If you use cordiali saluti in a text message to a close friend, it may come across as being mockingly cold or sarcastic due to its stiff formality.
- The word cordiali comes from the Latin cor, meaning 'heart'. In Italian, using this word in a greeting literally suggests the message is coming from the heart.
Examples in context
- Cordiali saluti, dottor Bianchi.Warm regards, Dr. Bianchi.
- Invio cordiali saluti a tutta la famiglia.I send warm regards to the whole family.
- Riceva i miei più cordiali saluti.Please receive my warmest regards.
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are finishing a professional email exchange.
- SofiaHo scritto la bozza dell'email.I wrote the draft of the email.
- MatteoPerfetto, aggiungi solo cordiali saluti alla fine.Perfect, just add warm regards at the end.
- SofiaVa bene, lo faccio subito.Okay, I will do it right away.
- MatteoGrazie mille, Sofia.Thanks a lot, Sofia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cordiali saluti, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cordiali saluti, CC BY-SA 4.0.
