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Scene illustrating a Italian-language basic greetings conversation

Key Phrases

Ciao

Hello

Qual è il tuo nome?

What is your name?

Buongiorno

Good morning

Skills You'll Learn

Introducing oneself

Presentarsi

Greeting in different contexts

Salutare in diversi contesti

Saying goodbye

Congedarsi

Lesson Vocabulary & Phrases

👋

Ciao!

chow

Hi!

💬 Ciao is versatile—use it for both hello and goodbye!

🇮🇹 Italians love to greet with a warm smile and a 'Ciao!'

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🙂

Come stai?

koh-meh stah-ee

How are you?

💬 Stai is informal—use it with friends or people you know well.

🇮🇹 Expect a genuine interest in your well-being when asked this in Italy.

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👋

Arrivederci!

ah-ree-veh-DAIR-chee

Goodbye!

💬 Use Arrivederci for more formal goodbyes.

🇮🇹 Saying goodbye often includes cheek kisses, known as 'il bacetto.'

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🔤🔠

Nome

NOH-meh

Name

💬 Remember, 'nome' refers to your first name!

🇮🇹 In introductions, Italians might also ask for your 'cognome' (surname).

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🤔👤🤷‍♂️❓

Qual è il tuo nome?

kwal eh eel toh-oh NOH-meh

What is your name?

💬 Use 'tuo' for informal settings. For formal, switch to 'suo.'

🇮🇹 Italians appreciate learning the correct pronunciation of names.

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👤💬🔤🆗

Mi chiamo Emily

mee kee-AH-mo

My name is Emily

💬 Literally means 'I call myself,' a common introduction.

🇮🇹 It's polite to introduce yourself with a handshake.

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😊🌟

Piacere di conoscerti

pyah-CHE-reh dee koh-NO-sher-tee

Nice to meet you

💬 Use 'conoscerti' for informal; 'conoscerla' for formal situations.

🇮🇹 A great phrase to start building new friendships!

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☀️😊

Buongiorno

bwon-JOR-noh

Good morning

💬 Use this until around 2 PM.

🇮🇹 Perfect start to the day along with an espresso!

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☀️🌆

Buon pomeriggio

bwon poh-meh-REE-joh

Good afternoon

💬 Less commonly used; many Italians skip directly to 'Buonasera.'

🇮🇹 'Pomeriggio' is great for post-lunch relaxations.

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🚀

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What Learners Are Saying

Spent the summer in Tuscany researching Italian cuisine. Being able to chat with nonnas at the market about recipes? Absolutely priceless.

Grace P., 34, Food Writer

Working on a project in Milan and needed professional Italian fast. The business scenarios gave me the confidence to present to clients within a month.

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Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.

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