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Greetings & Introductions in Italian
Italians love a warm greeting. These 25 essential Italian greetings and introductions will make a great first impression — with native audio.
Each phrase includes native audio, an English translation, and cultural notes where relevant. Tap any play button to listen.
👋 Saluti di Base — Basic Greetings
1.
Ciao!
Hello! / Hi! / Bye!
'Ciao' means both hello AND goodbye. Avoid with elders — use 'Salve' or 'Buongiorno'.
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2.
Buongiorno!
Good morning / Good day!
Used from morning until early afternoon. Polite in all contexts.
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3.
Buonasera!
Good evening!
Takes over from 'Buongiorno' from around 5–6 pm.
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4.
Buonanotte.
Good night.
Only a farewell — not an evening greeting.
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5.
Come stai?
How are you? (informal)
Formal: 'Come sta?' Common reply: 'Bene, grazie — e tu?' (Fine, thanks — and you?)
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🙋 Presentazioni — Introductions
6.
Mi chiamo Marco.
My name is Marco.
More natural than 'Il mio nome è...' in everyday Italian.
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7.
Come ti chiami?
What's your name? (informal)
Formal: 'Come si chiama?' Italians are often on first-name terms quickly.
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8.
Piacere di conoscerti!
Nice to meet you!
Often shortened to 'Piacere!' Two cheek kisses are common in Italy (left cheek first).
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9.
Sono di Roma.
I'm from Rome.
Italians often identify strongly with their city or region, not just their country.
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10.
Parlo un po' di italiano.
I speak a little Italian.
Italians are very encouraging of any attempt to speak their language!
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👋 Saluti di Addio — Farewells
11.
Arrivederci!
Goodbye! (formal)
Formal. Casual alternative: 'Ci vediamo!' (see you!)
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12.
A dopo!
See you later!
'A' + time: 'a presto' (soon), 'a domani' (tomorrow), 'a lunedì' (Monday).
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13.
A domani!
See you tomorrow!
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14.
Buona giornata!
Have a great day!
Evening: 'Buona serata!' Weekend: 'Buon fine settimana!'
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15.
Stammi bene!
Take care! (casual)
A warm, affectionate farewell between people who know each other.
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🤝 Frasi di Cortesia — Courtesy Phrases
16.
Per favore.
Please.
Alternatives: 'Per piacere' and 'Per cortesia' are equally correct.
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17.
Grazie mille!
Thank you very much!
Literally 'a thousand thanks.' Italians often express thanks warmly and enthusiastically.
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18.
Prego!
You're welcome! / Go ahead! / Please!
'Prego' means you're welcome, please, after you, and go ahead — very versatile!
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19.
Mi dispiace.
I'm sorry.
For sincere apologies. Minor: 'Scusi' or 'Permesso'.
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20.
Scusi!
Excuse me! (formal)
Casual: 'Scusa!' Getting through a crowd: 'Permesso!'
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💬 Aiuto con la Lingua — Language Help
21.
Sì.
Yes.
Repeating 'sì sì' shows agreement or emphasis in Italian conversation.
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22.
No.
No.
Italian hand gestures add expressiveness to a simple 'no'!
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23.
Non capisco.
I don't understand.
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24.
Può parlare più lentamente, per favore?
Can you speak more slowly, please?
Casual: 'Puoi parlare più lentamente?'
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25.
Parla inglese?
Do you speak English?
Casual: 'Parli inglese?' Always try Italian first — it's appreciated.
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