Common Phrases
Ciao!
Many Italian greetings depend on the time of day.
buongiorno
good morning
Even though buongiorno includes the word giorno, it’s only used in the morning. You can use buonasera to say both good afternoon and good evening.
buonasera
good afternoon / good evening
buonanotte
good night
Note that buonanotte is used to say goodbye at night. It can’t be used to greet people.
You can say ciao regardless of the time of day, as long as you’re speaking informally or to family or friends.
You can say ciao regardless of the time of day, as long as you’re speaking informally or to family or friends.
Ciao!
Hello! / Goodbye!
No!
To say yes and no in Italian, use the words sì and no.
Sì, io sono Maria.
Yes, I am Maria.
Use non before a verb if you want to say not.
No, non è un ragazzo.
No, he is not a boy.
Non è una mela.
It is not an apple.
Don’t forget the accent mark on sì!
Manners, please!
Good manners are important! Use grazie to thank people, and per favore to say please.
Una mela, per favore.
An apple, please.
When someone says grazie to you, be sure to reply prego!
Grazie Sofia!
Thank you Sofia!
Prego, ciao!
You’re welcome, goodbye!