From Ciao to Arrivederci: How to Master Italian Greetings and Goodbyes

Jun 29

Learn how to confidently greet and say goodbye in Italian. Explore formal vs. informal phrases, cultural nuances, and real-world examples to sound more like a native.

Introduction: First Impressions Matter—Especially in Italian

If you’re learning Italian, mastering greetings and goodbyes is more than just vocabulary—it’s your first step into cultural fluency. Italians are famously expressive and social, and knowing how to say “hello” and “goodbye” appropriately can make all the difference in a conversation. Whether you’re being welcomed into a family dinner in Florence, entering a shop in Naples, or starting an Italian class in Berkeley, your greeting sets the tone.

But it’s not just about saying ciao and hoping for the best. Italian greetings change based on time of day, formality, region, and personal closeness. Saying ciao in the wrong context could come across as rude, while using arrivederLa instead of arrivederci might make you sound overly formal—or charmingly polite.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common Italian greetings and farewells—from universal go-to’s to regionally specific phrases. You’ll also learn when to use formal vs. informal expressions, how body language and tone play a role, and what greetings actually say about Italian culture.

Whether you’re traveling to Italy or preparing for your next Italian conversation class, this article will help you master the subtleties of Italian salutations and partings—so you always leave the right impression.

1. The Universal Greeting: Ciao—But Use with Care

Ciao is the most famous Italian greeting—and one of the most misunderstood.

When to Use Ciao:

With friends, peers, and children
In informal settings
For both “hi” and “bye”

When NOT to Use Ciao:

With strangers in formal settings
In professional or customer service contexts
With elders or people you just met

Ciao is warm, friendly, and casual—but avoid it in situations where respect or hierarchy matters.

2. Formal Greetings: Respect in Language

Buongiorno – Good morning / good day

Use until about 2:00 PM
Works in both formal and informal settings

Buonasera – Good evening

Use after 2:00 PM or when the sun is going down
Common in stores, restaurants, and meetings

Salve – Hello (semi-formal)

Works well when you’re unsure whether to use ciao or something more formal

These are your safe choices for any interaction with someone older, in a professional setting, or when meeting someone for the first time.

3. Time-Based Greetings: When and How to Use Them

ItalianEnglish EquivalentWhen to UseBuongiornoGood morning / Good dayMorning to early afternoonBuon pomeriggioGood afternoonRarely used, formal situationsBuonaseraGood eveningLate afternoon/eveningBuonanotteGood night (parting)At bedtime or when parting late

Buonanotte vs. Buonasera:

Buonasera is a greeting.
Buonanotte is a farewell.

4. Regional and Colloquial Variations

Common Informal Alternatives:

Ehi! – Hey!
Ciao bella / Ciao bello – Hey beautiful / handsome (used casually among friends)
Uè! – Milanese for “Hey!” (very informal)
Bella lì! – Roman slang for “What’s up!”

These should only be used with close friends or in familiar social circles.

5. Parting Ways: The Art of Saying Goodbye

Informal:

Ciao – Bye (use with peers)
A presto! – See you soon!
A dopo! – See you later!
Ci vediamo! – We’ll see each other!
Buona giornata! – Have a good day!
Buona serata! – Have a good evening!

Formal:

Arrivederci – Goodbye (general polite usage)
ArrivederLa – Goodbye (very formal, singular)
È stato un piacere – It was a pleasure
Le auguro una buona giornata – I wish you a good day (formal)

6. Greetings in Conversation: Cultural Tips

Physical Touch:

Kiss on both cheeks – Common between friends or acquaintances
Handshake – Common in professional or formal situations

Eye Contact and Tone:

Warm, direct eye contact is seen as polite
Smiling while greeting is appreciated, though not overly exuberant

Responding in Kind:

Always match the formality and tone of the person you’re speaking to. If someone says buongiorno, respond with buongiorno—not ciao.

7. Common Greeting Scenarios

Meeting Someone for the First Time:

Piacere di conoscerLa. (formal)
Piacere! (informal)

Greeting a Shopkeeper:

Buongiorno! or Buonasera!

Ending a Phone Call:

Arrivederci! or A presto!
Buona giornata! (very common)

8. Mistakes to Avoid

Saying ciao to someone much older or in a business setting
Using buonanotte to greet someone (it’s a goodbye, not a hello)
Forgetting to use formal forms when first meeting someone

Pro Tip:

If you’re not sure, default to formality—Italians will appreciate the respect.

FAQs: Italian Greetings and Goodbyes

Q: Is ciao okay to use with strangers?
A: No, unless you're in a very casual setting. Stick with salve or buongiorno.

Q: What’s the difference between arrivederci and arrivederLa?
A: Arrivederci is polite. ArrivederLa is very formal and singular.

Q: Do Italians really kiss on the cheek to say hello?
A: Yes—but mostly among friends and acquaintances. Follow your host’s lead.

Q: Can ciao be used for both hello and goodbye?
A: Yes! It’s one of the few greetings in Italian that works both ways.

Q: Should I say buongiorno even in the afternoon?
A: Yes, it’s fine until mid-afternoon. Then switch to buonasera.

Learn Italian with Us at Polyglottist Language Academy

Mastering greetings is just the first step. If you want to speak Italian confidently and naturally, we’re here to help.

At Polyglottist Language Academy, our small-group and online classes teach real-world conversation, not just textbook phrases. Whether you’re in Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose—or anywhere online—you’ll gain practical skills and cultural insight.