Are you unsure about how to use 'ciao' in Italian? And what, exactly, is the difference between 'buongiorno' and 'buona giornata'? The post How To Say Hello In Italian appeared first on Babbel.
If you’ve ever stepped into a cozy café in Rome or Milan, you know the type of “hello” you use or receive can set the tone for the whole experience. Italians use greetings as small acts of warmth and respect. A friendly ciao or a polite buongiorno can turn a quick errand into a meaningful, personal exchange, and it’s an instrumental early step in learning Italian.
And because Italy takes social nuance seriously, knowing how to say hello in Italian can help you sound more natural and connect more easily. Let’s dive in to learn more about Italian greetings, their subtle meanings and when to use each one.
The Importance of Greetings in Italian Culture
In Italy, greetings go beyond basic etiquette. They’re a reflection of relationships and context. You might greet your barista with a cheery ciao, your doctor with a formal buongiorno, and your friend’s parents with a warm but respectful salve.
A greeting also sets up the rhythm of the conversation. Italians often linger on them: Ciao! Come stai? Tutto bene? (“Hi! How are you? Everything good?”). Starting with genuine warmth is the cultural equivalent of good manners.
Pro Tip: Italian greetings aren’t just words. They’re gestures, tone and timing all rolled into one.
The Three Core Italian Hellos
Let’s start with the big three: ciao, salve, and buongiorno.
1. Ciao — The Friendly All-Rounder
Ciao (pronounced CHOW) is the Italian word the world already knows. It’s relaxed, warm and used both for “hello” and “goodbye.”
- When to use it: With friends, family, peers, or anyone you already know.
- When not to use it: In formal settings or when meeting someone for the first time (especially older people or authority figures).
Example:
- Ciao, Marco! Come va? – “Hi, Marco! How’s it going?”
- Ciao, ragazzi! – “Hey, guys!”
Did you know? The word ciao originally came from the Venetian phrase s’ciavo, meaning “your servant.” Over time, it lost that literal sense but kept its spirit of friendliness and openness.
2. Salve — The Polite Middle Ground
Salve (pronounced SAHL-veh) is your go-to safe zone. It’s polite but not stiff, friendly but not too familiar.
- When to use it: When you want to sound respectful without being overly formal – meeting a neighbor, a professor, or your friend’s parents.
- Tone: Neutral and adaptable; it works for almost everyone.
Example:
- Salve, signora Rossi. — Hello, Mrs. Rossi.
- Salve a tutti! — Hello, everyone!
Did you know? Salve has ancient roots — Romans used it to wish someone good health. (It literally means “be well.”)
3. Buongiorno — The Formal Favorite
Buongiorno (pronounced bwon-JOHR-noh) means “good day” and works perfectly as a formal greeting during the daytime.
- When to use it: In workplaces, shops, restaurants or with anyone older or unfamiliar.
- Tone: Polite and professional.
- Time of day: Typically until early evening.
Example:
- Buongiorno, dottore. – “Good morning, doctor.”
- Buongiorno a tutti! – “Good day, everyone!”
Did you know? In some regions, you’ll hear the shortened ‘giorno as a casual nod to regular acquaintances – especially when you’ve already greeted someone earlier that day.
Greetings for Different Times of Day
Just like English has “good morning” and “good evening,” Italian greetings shift throughout the day.
| Time of Day | Greeting | Meaning / Use |
| Morning | Buongiorno | “Good morning / good day.” Use until around 5 p.m. |
| Afternoon / Evening | Buonasera | “Good evening.” Switch to this after late afternoon. |
| Late Night | Buonanotte | “Good night.” Used when parting, not when arriving. |
| All-purpose | Salve | Works any time, day or night. |
Examples:
- Buonasera, signore! — Good evening, sir!
- Buonanotte e sogni d’oro! — Good night and sweet dreams!
Cultural note: Italians love their diminutives. You might hear ‘sera or ‘giorno dropped casually by shopkeepers or neighbors. It’s a friendly local shorthand – but it’s best to use it only once you’ve built some familiarity.
Greetings Beyond “Hello”
There’s more to Italian greetings than ciao. Here are some additional phrases you’ll hear in daily conversation:
| Expression | Meaning | When to Use |
| Come va? | “How’s it going?” | Informal, friendly. |
| Come stai? / Come sta? | “How are you?” (informal / formal) | Used right after saying hello. |
| Tutto bene? | “Everything good?” | Very common casual greeting. |
| Piacere! | “Nice to meet you!” | When introduced to someone new. |
| Benvenuto / Benvenuta! | “Welcome!” | Used to greet guests or newcomers. |
Example exchange:
- Buongiorno, come sta oggi? — Good morning, how are you today?
- Molto bene, grazie! — Very well, thank you!
Regional Greetings Across Italy
Italy’s linguistic landscape is famously diverse – and greetings are no exception.
| Region | Greeting | Meaning / Notes |
| Northern Italy (Veneto, Lombardy) | Ciao bello/a! | Literally “Hi beautiful!” Common among friends. |
| Tuscany | Buondì! | Cheerful, old-fashioned “Good day!” |
| Rome | Aò! | Roman dialect exclamation — more of an attention-grabber than a greeting. |
| Naples | Guagliò! | Friendly “Hey man!” or “Buddy!” |
| Sicily | Bedda! | Literally “beautiful!” Used as a friendly address. |
Pro Tip: Dialectal greetings are full of charm but can sound jarring if used out of place. Stick with ciao, salve, and buongiorno until you’ve picked up the local vibe.
How to Pronounce “Hello” in Italian
Italian pronunciation is fairly straightforward once you know the rules.
| Word | Pronunciation | Notes |
| Ciao | “CHOW” | The “c” before “i” or “e” is pronounced like “ch.” |
| Salve | “SAHL-veh” | Both vowels are pronounced clearly. |
| Buongiorno | “bwon-JOHR-noh” | The “gn” sounds like the Spanish “ñ” in niño. |
| Buonasera | “bwoh-nah-SEH-rah” | Roll your “r” lightly. |
| Buonanotte | “bwoh-nah-NOHT-teh” | Double consonants are held slightly longer. |
If you’re struggling with the rhythm, listen to how Italians greet each other. It’s as much about tone as pronunciation. The melody of Buongiorno! often rises warmly, almost like a smile in sound.
How to Say “Hello, How Are You?” in Italian
The simplest version is Ciao, come stai? for friends and Buongiorno, come sta? for formal situations.
Other natural variations:
- Come va? — How’s it going?
- Tutto a posto? — Everything okay?
- Come butta? — Super casual slang, like “How’s life treating you?”
Example:
- Ciao! Tutto bene? — Hi! Everything good?
- Sì, grazie. E tu? — Yes, thanks. And you?
Cultural Tip: Italians often ask Come stai? even if they don’t expect a full answer. It’s a friendly ritual, not necessarily a deep inquiry.
Greetings in Italian Etiquette
When to Shake Hands
A firm but brief handshake is common in formal or business situations. Always make eye contact and greet everyone individually in a group.
When to Kiss
Among friends and relatives, expect two cheek kisses (left first, then right). It’s a social reflex and not a romantic gesture.
When to Wave or Nod
A simple Ciao! and wave is fine for casual settings or acquaintances you pass by. You might also want to brush up on your Italian gestures in general.
Pro Tip: Italians often greet shopkeepers or strangers in elevators, not saying anything at all can come across as aloof or rude.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
- Overusing Ciao — It’s tempting because it’s famous, but too informal for new acquaintances or professional contexts.
- Mixing up Buongiorno and Buonasera — Switch to Buonasera after around 5 p.m., or you might get a smile and a gentle correction.
- Using Buonanotte as a greeting — It’s only for parting at night, not arriving.
- Forgetting to mirror formality — If someone greets you with Salve or Buongiorno, don’t respond with Ciao!
Final Thoughts
Learning how to say hello in Italian isn’t just about vocabulary. A well-timed buongiorno or friendly ciao shows you respect local culture and want to be part of it. Once you’ve got the hang of ciao, salve, and buongiorno, you’ll start to notice how natural the rhythm feels. Each greeting carries its own warmth, melody and context.
So next time you walk into that Italian café, don’t hesitate. Smile, say buongiorno, and mean it. You’ll likely get one back, plus a great espresso.
The post How To Say Hello In Italian appeared first on Babbel.
