The most common direct word for saying “goodbye” in Italian is “arrivederci! However, there are several other goodbye phrases that are appropriate or better, depending on the situation.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Saying the Basic Farewell
Step 1. Say "arrivederci" in most situations
This word is a direct greeting in Italian that is said when parting. Even though it's technically considered an informal greeting, you can say the greeting at most social events.
- Pronounce “arrivederci” as “a-ri-ve-DER-ci”.
- Technically, the "ci" syllable at the end of the word "arrivederci" indicates its nature as an informal word. However, this phrase is very commonly used and you can say it in a variety of warm social situations, even when talking to strangers or parents.
Step 2. Say "arrivederla" in formal situations
It's a direct greeting in Italian that you can say when you say goodbye, but it's more formal than “arrivederci.” While it may not need to be used that often, it doesn't hurt to know it.
- Pronounce “arrivederla” as “a-ri-ve-DER-la”.
- The syllable "la" at the end of the word "arrivederla" gives a more formal impression. You usually say this phrase when you need to show respect to another person, such as someone you met at a formal or professional meeting.
- When in doubt, it is safer to use the word " arrivederla ". The other person can tell you if the phrase is too formal and after that, you can use "arrivederci". Since your "initial mistakes" reflect a higher degree of respect for the other person, they usually won't be offended.
Part 2 of 3: Using Another Common Farewell Greeting
Step 1. Use " ciao " in informal situations
While " ciao " is a fairly popular greeting for saying "goodbye" and "hello" in Italian, you need to use it with people you already know, and not with strangers.
- Pronounce “ciao” as “CAO”.
- The word " ciao " actually comes from the phrase " s-ciào vostro " which means "I am your slave". Initially, the phrase is used as a polite and semi-formal greeting to say “I am at your service”. The original phrase is now considered archaic, but the word “ciao” taken from the phrase is still used as a fairly popular greeting to greet friends and family. Keep in mind that this word should not be used with strangers or the elderly.
Step 2. Say " addio"
Phrases or greetings in Indonesian which are equivalent to the word "addio" are "goodbye". This word is not used very often, but is quite common and appropriate in most situations.
- Pronounce “addio” as “a-DI-o”.
- This term was originally derived from the phrase " a Dio " which means "to God". Due to its origins, the phrase is considered relatively polite, but is generally considered or interpreted as "goodbye".
Step 3. Say the phrase " stai attento " which is more meaningful
In Indonesian, this phrase is equivalent to “be careful!”. When you say this phrase to someone when you are apart, you are reflecting concern for their safety.
- Pronounce “stai attento” as “sti a-TEN-to”.
- A more direct translation of this phrase is "be careful" or "beware". The verb “stai” can be translated as “stay” or “stay (to do something)”. Meanwhile, the adjective "attento" means "attention", "be careful", or "watch out".
Part 3 of 3: Saying Farewell Based on the Situation
Step 1. Change the farewell by time
In the morning and evening, you can say " buongiorno ". In the evening, you need to use the phrase " buona sera ". Before going to bed, use the phrase " dormi bene ".
- " Buongiorno " (“buon-JOR-no”) can be used as a meeting and farewell greeting. When pronounced as parting, this phrase basically means “good morning/afternoon” or “have a nice day”. The word "buon" means "congratulations" or "good", and the word "giorno" means "morning/day". You can also use the long form of the phrase, “buona giornata” (“buo-na JOR-na-ta”) to convey the same message.
- " Buono sera " (“buo-na SE-ra”) can be used when greeting someone or parting ways. The word “buono” means “congratulations” or “good”, and the word “sera” means “night”. Overall, the phrase means “good night” or “good evening”.
- " Dormi bene " (“dor-mi BE-ne”) is only used before going to bed at night. The word "dormi" means "sleep", while the word "bene" means "good" or "good luck". Overall, the phrase means “good night”.
Step 2. Say goodbye before someone goes on vacation
There are two phrases you can use to convey a positive message or prayer to someone before they go on vacation: " buon viaggio " and " buone vacanze ".
- " Buon viaggio " (“buon vi-A-jo”) means “have a nice trip” or “have a nice trip”. The word “buno” can be translated as “good” or “congratulations”, and the word “viaggo” means “journey”.
- “Buone vacanze “(“buo-na va-KAN-se”) can be translated as “happy holiday” or “have a nice holiday”. The word “buone” means “good” or “congratulations”, and the word “vacanze” means “holiday”.
Step 3. Say goodbye temporarily
If you're meeting someone again after a short break, there are two greetings to use: " a presto " and " a dopo ".
- “A presto” (“A pres-to”) means “see you later”. The word "a" is a preposition that means "to" or "to", while the word "presto" is an adverb which means "soon" or "as soon as possible".
- “A dopo " (“A do-po”) means “see you later.” The preposition “a “still means “to” or “to”, while the adverb “dopo” means “later” or “after”.
Step 4. Say goodbye before meeting again tomorrow
If you are meeting again the next day, you can say “see you tomorrow” with the phrase “a domani” or “ci vediamo domani”.
- “A domani” (“A do-ma-ni”) means “until tomorrow”. The word “a” means “to” or “to”, while “domani” can be translated as “tomorrow”.
- “Ci vediamo domani” (“si ve-DIA-mo do-ma-ni”) also means “see you tomorrow”. The verb “vediamo” is a conjugated form which means “to meet” and “ci” is a pronoun which indicates that you are speaking to the second person. Meanwhile, the word “domani” still means “tomorrow”.
Step 5. Throw the "sparisci! ". This rant is a cursing for someone who is pestering you to "go" or "stay away". Since this is not considered polite, you should use it with care.
- Pronounce “sparisci” as “spa-RI-si”.
- This phrase is a conjugated form of the verb “spare” which means “to disappear”. When you shout “sparisci!” to someone, you are telling that person to “disappear”.
- While there are situations in which you may say the phrase, avoid using it with someone you are familiar with (or someone you should respect). Even if you intend to use it as a joke, there's a good chance the other person will be offended when you hear it.
