27 Common Italian Greetings: How To Say “Hello” in Italian

Ciao! That’s a casual “Hello” in Italian and the opening to a lively conversation punctuated with enthusiastic gestures, cheek kisses, and expressive body language that is practically its own dialect. Whether you just need some common phrases for traveling to Italy or are curious about the most useful phrases in different languages, common greetings in Italian is a perfetto place to start!

From the elegant Buongiorno (a formal “good morning” or “good day”) to a laid-back Come va? (How’s it going?) between friends, let’s consider the Italian greetings that will begin your exploration of this incredibly beautiful and expressive language. And, if you’d like to follow up your new “Hello” in Italian with a bit of flirting – we’ve got you covered with Italian love vocabulary.  

Andiamo! (Let’s go!)

How to Say “Hello” in Italian: Formal vs. Informal Greetings

With Italian greetings, it’s not just what you say but how, to whom, and whether there’s il bacetto – a kiss on both cheeks – involved. 

Italians are famously expressive, and greetings in Italian are often accompanied by a warm smile and animated gestures. Among close friends and family, expect an il bacetto (always starting with the left cheek!), while a firm but friendly handshake is more common in formal or professional settings. Traditionally, the woman extends her hand first when shaking hands. 

Choosing the right level of formality is essential with Italian greetings. Italian culture places great value on respect, especially when greeting elders, strangers, or people in authority.

• Formal Italian greetings like Buongiorno or Buonasera (good evening) are appropriate in most public or professional settings. So, when in doubt, it’s best to err on the formal side. Formal titles, such as Signore (Sir) or Signora (Ma’am), are often used when addressing someone respectfully: Buongiorno, Signora. 

• Informal Italian greetings, like Ciao or Ehi! (Hey! A casual way to say “Hi” in Italian) are friendly and playful. They’re best reserved for people you know well – friends, peers, and family members of your generation or younger. Use formal greetings with everyone else until you’re invited to speak more casually – usually by responding to their informal greeting to you.

A critical distinction between formal and informal greetings in Italian is essential before we continue. The Italian language distinguishes between tu (the informal “you”) and Lei (the formal “you”). Whether you use tu or Lei changes the level of formality for a simple Italian greeting like “How are you?” As the relationship grows more familiar, someone might ask, “Diamoci del tu?” (“Shall we use ‘tu’ with each other?”). It’s a warm invitation to move to a more relaxed, informal tone.

27 Essential Greetings in Italian for Everyday Situations

As is often true when saying “Hello” in different languages, greetings in Italian are often tied to the time of day, the setting, and the closeness of your relationship. Some are cheery and casual, while others are more elegant or traditional. Let’s start with the top five you’ll hear (and say!) most often:

1. Buongiorno – Good morning / Good day

A formal “Hello” in Italian, Buongiorno, is appropriate until mid-afternoon in both professional and casual contexts. It’s often paired with a firm handshake or a friendly pat on the back and a polite smile. You can use it to greet shopkeepers, strangers, or even your friend’s nonna (grandmother). Consider this your head start on learning to say ‘Good morning’ in 50 languages!

2. Buonasera – Good evening

Used after about 4 p.m., Buonasera is your go-to formal greeting in the late afternoon or evening. It’s elegant, warm, and respectful – perfect for greeting your host, colleague, or waiter at dinner.

3. Salve – Hello (neutral)

Not quite formal, not too casual – Salve is a safe bet when you’re unsure. It works well in emails, on the street, and with new acquaintances.

4. Ciao – Hi / Bye

The most famous of all Italian greetings! Ciao is casual, friendly, and used for both “hello” and “goodbye.” You might greet your friend with a breezy “Ciao, bella!” or even “Ciao, ciao!” and a double cheek kiss. Just save this one for people you know well – it’s too familiar for strangers, elders, or professionals.

5. Ehi! – Hey!

This ultra-casual greeting in Italian is playful and attention-getting. You’d use Ehi with friends your own age – maybe while waving across a piazza or nudging your buddy while in line for gelato.

Beyond these core greetings, there are several additional ways to say “hello” in Italian for different times, settings, and social situations. Some Italian greetings have two endings: -o (masculine) and -a (feminine). Italian is a gendered language, so some words change based on the speaker or who you’re speaking to.

With these greetings in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to say “Hello” in Italian with confidence — and when it’s time to part ways, here’s how to say ‘Goodbye’ in different languages.

Mastering Italian Greetings for Every Occasion

Congratulazioni!  You now know much more than just how to say “Hello” in Italian. With these 27 greetings in Italian, you’re ready to greet anyone from Il Sindaco di Roma (Buongiorno, Signor Sindaco di Roma) to the barista pouring your cappuccino (Salve or Ciao) or even your best friend (Ciao, bella!).

What a great start to learning the Italian language! And with the Pimsleur Method, you’ll soon be speaking like a native!