What does it mean word for word?
The word Benvenuti is the plural form of the adjective meaning "welcome", and a Roma means "to Rome". In Italian, the preposition a is used before the names of cities, such as a Roma (to Rome) or a Milano (to Milan).
Which one should you use?
The form of the word benvenuto changes depending on who you are addressing. Benvenuto a Roma! can be used in an informal setting. If you are welcoming someone back to the city, you should use Bentornato a Roma! instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must agree with the gender and number of the people being welcomed. Use Benvenuto a Roma when welcoming a single male. Use Benvenuta a Roma if you are welcoming only one woman. Use Benvenuti a Roma when addressing a group of males. If you are welcoming a group consisting only of women, the phrase changes to Benvenute a Roma.
Did you know?
- The greeting Benvenuti a Roma is often accompanied by a warm handshake or a double cheek kiss, which is a standard social custom when welcoming guests in Italy.
- The word Benvenuti is not just a greeting but is also a common Italian surname. It originally derived from the personal name 'Benvenuto', which means 'well-come' or 'one who is welcomed'.
- Because of the masculine plural rule, the greeting Benvenuti a Roma must be used for a mixed group even if there are ninety-nine women and only one man.
Examples in context
- Ciao Marco! Benvenuto a Roma! Sono felice di vederti!Hi Marco! Welcome to Rome! I'm happy to see you!
- Ciao Laura! Bentornata a Roma! Come è andata la tua vacanza?Hi Laura! Welcome back to Rome! How was your vacation?
- Benvenuti a Roma, cari amici!Welcome to Rome, dear friends!
- Benvenuti a Roma e godetevi il viaggio.Welcome to Rome and enjoy your trip.
- Benvenuti a Roma, ragazzi!Welcome to Rome, guys!
Example conversation
Chiara meets Alessandro at the airport.
- ChiaraCiao Alessandro! Benvenuti a Roma!Hi Alessandro! Welcome to Rome!
- AlessandroGrazie mille, Chiara!Thank you so much, Chiara!
- ChiaraCom'è andato il tuo viaggio?How was your trip?
- AlessandroTutto bene, sono molto felice.Everything was fine, I am very happy.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Benvenuti, Roma, a, CC BY-SA 4.0.
