Lesson 1.1: Hello and Goodbye – The Essentials

Lesson 1.1: Hello and Goodbye – The Essentials 👋🇮🇹 #

Greetings are the cornerstone of Italian culture. Whether you’re saying ciao to a friend or buongiorno to Signora Rossi, this lesson will prepare you to make every interaction smooth and charming.

What You’ll Learn #

In this lesson, you’ll master:

  • Common Italian greetings and goodbyes for every time of day.
  • When to use informal versus formal language.
  • Key phrases to impress Italians with your politeness.

Italian Greetings – Starting Conversations #

Informal Greetings #

  • Ciao (Hi/Bye): The universal casual greeting. Use it with friends, family, and people you’re on a first-name basis with.
  • Ehi (Hey): For super casual and relaxed conversations.

Example Dialogue with Viktor

  • Geoff: Ciao, Viktor! Come va? (Hi, Viktor! How’s it going?)
  • Viktor: Ciao, Geoff! Tutto bene, e tu? (Hi, Geoff! All good, and you?)

Formal Greetings #

  • Buongiorno (Good morning): Use it until about 2 PM.
  • Buonasera (Good evening): From 2 PM onward.
  • Salve (Hello): A polite greeting suitable for any time of day.

Example Dialogue with Signora Rossi

  • Geoff: Buongiorno, Signora Rossi. Come sta? (Good morning, Mrs. Rossi. How are you?)
  • Signora Rossi: Buongiorno, Geoff. Sto bene, grazie. Lei? (Good morning, Geoff. I’m fine, thank you. And you?)

Saying Goodbye – Ending Conversations #

Informal Goodbyes #

  • Ciao (Hi/Bye): Works both as a greeting and a goodbye.
  • A presto (See you soon): Use when you know you’ll meet again.

Example Dialogue with Viktor

  • Geoff: A presto, Viktor! (See you soon, Viktor!)
  • Viktor: A presto, Geoff! Buona giornata! (See you soon, Geoff! Have a good day!)

Formal Goodbyes #

  • Arrivederci (Goodbye): A standard, polite way to say goodbye.
  • Buona giornata (Have a good day): Use during the day.
  • Buona serata (Have a good evening): Perfect for evening or nighttime goodbyes.

Example Dialogue with Signor Bianchi

  • Geoff: Arrivederci, Signor Bianchi. Grazie per il caffè! (Goodbye, Mr. Bianchi. Thank you for the coffee!)
  • Signor Bianchi: Arrivederci, Geoff. Alla prossima! (Goodbye, Geoff. Until next time!)

Quick Tips #

  • Use formal greetings with strangers, older people, or in professional settings.
  • Stick with informal greetings for friends, family, and casual situations.
  • Don’t be afraid to smile—Italians love warmth in conversations.

Next Steps #

Test your knowledge with Exercise 1.1: Hello and Goodbye – The Essentials, then move on to Lesson 1.2: How to Say Farewell Without Sounding Rude.

✨ Buona fortuna! 🌟