
Basic greetings: Common greetings
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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!'
See breakdown →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.
See breakdown →Arrivederci!
ah-ree-veh-DAIR-chee
Goodbye!
💬 Use Arrivederci for more formal goodbyes.
🇮🇹 Saying goodbye often includes cheek kisses, known as 'il bacetto.'
See breakdown →Nome
NOH-meh
Name
💬 Remember, 'nome' refers to your first name!
🇮🇹 In introductions, Italians might also ask for your 'cognome' (surname).
See breakdown →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.
See breakdown →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.
See breakdown →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!
See breakdown →Buongiorno
bwon-JOR-noh
Good morning
💬 Use this until around 2 PM.
🇮🇹 Perfect start to the day along with an espresso!
See breakdown →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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