Mastering Italian Farewells: A Simple Guide

In 1968, Italian singer Caterina Caselli poignantly expressed farewell with her song “Arrivederci amore, ciao,” marking the end of a cherished romance. However, even if you’re not closing a chapter in a relationship, mastering the art of saying goodbye in Italian is crucial for truly grasping the language and its cultural nuances.

In this guide, we unveil the top Italian expressions for bidding farewell like a native speaker. You’ll discover various ways to say goodbye, whether you’re looking for formal or informal options, as well as tips for both spoken and written communication.

Keep reading below to find out more.

Most popular ways to say goodbye in Italian

What’s the most popular way to say goodbye in Italian? If you’ve participated in online Italian lessons, your instructor likely pointed out that farewell phrases can vary based on the situation, the time of day, and your relationship with the person you’re bidding farewell to.

Let’s look at each of the options more closely:

Ciao (Bye)

“Ciao” is the most casual and widely used way to say goodbye in Italian. It’s perfect for both face-to-face interactions and phone conversations. Feel free to use “ciao” with friends, classmates, or family members alike!

Italians frequently express their greetings with a playful twist, often saying “ciao” twice, as in “ciao ciao!” When chatting on the phone, they might string together a series of quick, clipped “ciao’s,” creating a lively “cià cià cià!” This vibrant use of language reflects their warm and friendly culture.

Arrivederci (Goodbye)

“Arrivederci” is a more formal farewell than “ciao,” translating to “until we see each other again.” It’s commonly used in professional environments and everyday situations, such as when leaving a coffee shop, store, or public office—think “Grazie, arrivederci!” Whether you’re saying it in person or wrapping up a phone call, “arrivederci” conveys a polite and respectful goodbye.

An intriguing alternative to “arrivederci” is “arrivederla.” While both phrases convey the same farewell, “arrivederla” carries a more formal tone. The suffix “la” represents the polite form of “tu” (you) in Italian, making it the preferred choice when addressing professionals like doctors, lawyers, or notaries.

A domani (See you tomorrow)

When bidding farewell to someone you’ll see the very next day, the typical Italian expression is “a domani,” which translates to “until tomorrow.” This simple phrase captures the anticipation of reconnecting soon!

This is an ideal way to greet your classmates, your Italian teacher (if you attend daily lessons), or your colleagues at work.

A presto (See you soon)

You can use the word “presto” when chatting with someone you expect to see again soon, even if you’re not sure exactly when. “Presto” translates to both “early,” like in the phrase “La mattina mi sveglio presto” meaning “I wake up early in the morning,” and “soon,” as in “See you soon.”

Sometimes, Italians use this expression to say goodbye to someone without knowing when they will meet again.

A dopo (See you later)

“Dopo” is an Italian adverb meaning “after.” If you’re looking to say goodbye while scheduling a later meeting, simply say “a dopo,” which translates to “see you later.” It’s a friendly and casual way to keep in touch!

For instance, if you’re chatting with a friend over the phone and you’ve just made plans to grab dinner in a few hours, you can say “a dopo!” which means “see you later!” in Italian!

A tra poco (In a bit)

If you’ve scheduled an appointment with only a few minutes to a few hours’ notice, feel free to say the classic Italian phrase “a tra poco,” which translates to “see you in a bit.” It’s a friendly way to acknowledge the short time until you meet again.

“Poco,” an Italian word meaning “not much,” signifies scarcity. When used in farewell expressions, it conveys the idea of “a short time,” adding a touch of brevity and warmth to goodbyes.

Ci vediamo (See you)

Similar to a presto, but with an even more vague nuance, is ci vediamo: it means “we see each other”.

You can also combine it with the other time adverbs we have seen in the previous expressions, for example: 

• ci vediamo domani (“see you tomorrow”)
• ci vediamo presto (“see you soon”)
• ci vediamo più tardi (“see you later”)
• ci vediamo tra poco (“see you in a bit”)

Alla prossima (Until next time)

“Prossimo” is an adjective that translates to “next,” with its feminine counterpart being “prossima.” When used in context, Italians often say “alla prossima” to mean “until next time,” conveniently dropping the word “volta,” which means “time.”

If you’re looking for a casual way to say goodbye in Italian without suggesting a specific time to meet again, “alla prossima” is the perfect choice!

Fai il bravo (Be good)

When Italian parents bid farewell to their children, they often say “fai il bravo,” which translates to “be good.” The word “bravo” means “good” or “clever,” and this phrase serves as a gentle reminder for children to behave well while they’re away.

To properly use this Italian farewell phrase, it’s essential to consider the gender of the word “bravo.” The masculine singular form is “fai il bravo,” while the feminine singular form is “fai la brava.” Make sure to choose the right version based on the person’s gender for a more accurate and respectful farewell!

Conversely, when addressing a group, be sure to use the plural forms: “fate i bravi” for a masculine audience or “fate le brave” for a feminine one. This distinction ensures you’re communicating appropriately with everyone present.

You can also use this phrase when talking to adults but only in an ironic or familiar tone.

Torna presto (Come back soon)

If you’re bidding farewell to a loved one heading off on a trip, a heartfelt Italian phrase to share is “torna presto,” which means “come back soon.” It’s a warm and caring way to express your hopes for their safe return.

Imagine your vacation in Italy is coming to a close, and you’re bidding farewell to your newfound Italian friends. As you part ways, you might hear them enthusiastically say, “torna presto a trovarci!” which means, “come visit us again soon!” It’s a warm invitation that reflects the bonds you’ve formed during your stay.

You might even hear it uttered by an apprehensive parent who is saying goodbye to their child!

Buonanotte (Goodnight)

How do you say goodbye in Italian when the day is over? You simply say Buonanotte!, which translates to “goodnight!”. 

Use this expression if you are saying goodbye to your friends or family before going to bed.

Conversely, if you’re departing from a social gathering, such as a dinner with friends, it’s more appropriate to say “buona serata,” as “serata” translates to “evening.”

Buona giornata/Buona serata (Have a nice day/Have a nice evening)

In Italian, a common way to bid farewell while wishing someone a good day is by saying “buona giornata.” This phrase not only conveys your goodbye but also encompasses the entire day, as “giornata” translates to “day.”

If you are saying goodbye at the end of the day, use buona serata, “good evening”, instead: serata means “evening.”

Buon proseguimento (Good continuation)

In any social setting, no matter the time of day, you can bid farewell with the charming Italian phrase “buon proseguimento,” which translates to “good continuation.” This expression not only conveys your goodbye but also wishes others a pleasant continuation of their day or evening.

Addio (Farewell)

And finally, let’s end with a proper farewell: addio!

Today, the term “addio” carries a poignant or sentimental meaning, often evoking a sense of finality. It is typically expressed when bidding farewell to someone with the understanding that we may never cross paths again.

The term “Addio” is derived from the preposition “a,” meaning “to,” and the noun “dio,” which translates to “God.” Historically, it served as a heartfelt farewell, expressing a wish for the well-being of those departing or remaining. Essentially, it conveyed the sentiment, “I commend you to God.”

How do you say goodbye in Italian formally?

If you want to use a formal expression to say goodbye in Italian, play it safe with arrivederci. 

Other formal expressions are:

• Arrivederci. – Goodbye.
• Arrivederla. – Goodbye. (Very formal)
• Buona giornata. – Have a good day.
• Buona serata. – Have a good evening.
• Ti auguro una buona giornata. – I wish you a good day.
• Ti auguro una buona serata. – I wish you a good evening.
• A risentirci. – Until we speak again.
• Buon proseguimento. – Happy continuation/Enjoy the rest of your day.
• La saluto. – So long.
• Si riguardi. – You take care.
• Stammi bene. – Be well.
• Addio. – Farewell.

What’s the best slang to say bye in Italia?

If you want to know how to say bye in Italian with natural, local slang, try these expressions:

• Ciao ciao! – Bye-bye.
• Cià – Ta-ta.
• Ci becchiamo dopo/più tardi. – I’ll catch you later.
• Ci vediamo in giro. – I’ll see you around.

How to end letters and emails correctly

When writing emails or letters in Italian, several expressions exist for saying goodbye and closing your messages.

The classic greeting formulas for ending an email in Italian are:

• Cordiali saluti. – Kind regards.
• Distinti saluti. – Best regards. 
• Un saluto cordiale. – A friendly greeting.
• Cordialmente/Cordialità. – Cordially.
• Saluti. – Regards.

To close your emails and letters with a more informal or affectionate tone, you can use the following:

• Un caro saluto/Cari saluti. – A warm greeting/Warmers regards.
• Con affetto. – Sincerely.
• Tanti saluti da … – Many greetings from [name of the city you are writing from].
• Un caro abbraccio. – A dear hug.
• Un bacione. – A big kiss.
• Baci e abbracci. – Kisses and hugs.

To add variety and foster a sense of connection and trust with your recipient, consider using alternative closures in your communication.

• Buona giornata. – Have a nice day.
• Buona settimana. – Enjoy your week.
• Buon fine settimana. – Have a good weekend.
• Un caro saluto e buon fine settimana. – Kind regards, and have a good weekend.
• Un saluto e a presto. – Regards and see you soon.

The dos and don’ts of Italian farewell

Having learned the essential Italian phrases for bidding farewell, it’s time to explore the unwritten etiquette and gestures that can enhance your greetings. Discover how to make your goodbyes even more meaningful!

Dos for saying goodbye in Italian

• **Hand-Waving**: Informal farewells such as “ciao,” “a presto,” and “a domani” can include a casual hand wave. In formal settings, a subtle hand raise is appropriate instead of a wave.
• Air Kissing in Italy: Italians often greet friends and family with a friendly air kiss on the cheeks as a farewell. The standard practice involves two kisses—first on the right cheek, followed by the left.
• Hand on Shoulder: If you prefer to avoid kisses, a light hand placement on the person’s shoulder is a friendly alternative when greeting.
• **Eye Contact in Italian Culture**: Italians value eye contact, particularly during farewells. Even brief exchanges of eye contact are important, as looking away may be perceived as rude or disrespectful.

Don’ts for saying goodbye in Italian

• Avoid overusing “ciao”—while it’s a simple and memorable greeting, it can come off as impolite in certain situations. Instead, opt for “arrivederci” in formal contexts to ensure a respectful tone.
• Avoid wet or loud lip kisses when air-kissing in Italy. Instead, gently kiss the cheeks without making contact with your lips, especially when greeting someone you don’t know well.
• Air-kissing at work – Opt for a formal handshake or a spoken goodbye in professional settings instead.

Put what you’ve learned into practice

To master the art of juggling the various Italian goodbyes discussed in this guide, consider practicing with an Italian tutor online. This interactive approach can enhance your learning experience and help you confidently navigate these expressions.

LingualNeeds offers an ideal solution for your language learning journey. You can select tutors based on their availability, additional languages spoken, pricing, and ratings. Enjoy personalized 1-on-1 Italian lessons starting at just $10 per hour, all scheduled at your convenience—wherever and whenever works best for you!

With LingualNeeds’s native Italian tutors, you can confidently master the essentials of the language, including simple phrases like saying goodbye. Enjoy a stress-free learning experience, free from misunderstandings and the fear of making a poor impression!

HubSpot Call-to-Action Code [if lte IE 8]>

<div id=”hs-cta-ie-element”></div>

<![endif]

Final thoughts

By following this guide, you’ll master the art of saying goodbye in Italian like a seasoned local in no time. Just keep in mind that practice is key to perfection!

Explore our other blog articles for additional tips on learning Italian online for free! In the meantime, don’t forget to practice. Alla prossima! (See you next time!)