How to Say Goodbye in Italian

How to Say Goodbye in Italian

The polite, all-purpose way to say goodbye in Italian is Arrivederci (pronounced ah-ree-veh-DEHR-chee), a warm phrase that literally means “until we see each other again.” With friends and family, Italians simply say Ciao. As with hellos, Italian farewells follow a formal vs. informal split, plus a handful of friendly “see you” phrases. Here’s everything you need.

The Quick Answer: Arrivederci vs. Ciao

• Arrivederci /ah-ree-veh-DEHR-chee/ — the safe, polite goodbye. Use it with strangers, shopkeepers, in restaurants, offices and with elders.
• Ciao /CHOW/ — the casual goodbye (and hello) for friends, family and peers.

Examples:

• Arrivederci, signora! — Goodbye, ma’am!
• Ciao, ci vediamo! — Bye, see you!
• Grazie e arrivederci. — Thank you and goodbye. (leaving a shop)

Arrivederci vs. ArrivederLa

There’s a more formal singular version worth knowing:

• Arrivederci — general or group use; safely polite.
• ArrivederLa /ah-ree-veh-DEHR-lah/ — addressed to one person you’re treating with the formal Lei. It’s extra deferential, common with a doctor, lawyer, official, or someone of high status.

For everyday travel and most polite situations, Arrivederci is perfect.

Friendly “See You” Farewells

Italians love specific, warm send-offs that say when you’ll meet again:

Italian	Pronunciation	Meaning
Arrivederci	ah-ree-veh-DEHR-chee	Goodbye (polite)
Ciao	CHOW	Bye (casual)
A presto	ah PREH-sto	See you soon
A dopo	ah DOH-po	See you later
A domani	ah doh-MAH-nee	See you tomorrow
A più tardi	ah pyoo TAR-dee	See you later (today)
Ci vediamo	chee veh-DYAH-mo	See you / we’ll see each other
Buonanotte	bwon-ah-NOT-teh	Good night (at bedtime)
Addio	ahd-DEE-o	Farewell (final, dramatic)

A note on Addio: it literally means “to God” and implies you may never see the person again. It’s emotional and final — used in breakups, deathbeds and dramatic moments, not for everyday goodbyes.

Formal vs. Informal Farewells

The same Tu / Lei logic that governs greetings applies to goodbyes:

• Informal (Tu): Ciao, Ci vediamo, A dopo — for friends, family and peers.
• Formal (Lei): Arrivederci, ArrivederLa, Buona giornata — for strangers and respect settings.

A graceful formal exit pairs the goodbye with a good wish:

• Arrivederci e buona giornata! — Goodbye and have a good day!
• Arrivederci e buona serata! — Goodbye and have a good evening!

Pronunciation Tips

• Arrivederci: break it into chunks — ah · ree · veh · DEHR · chee. Stress the “DEHR.”
• The “ci” ending is a soft “chee,” never “kee.”
• Double consonants (Buonanotte, Addio) are held a beat longer than singles.
• Final vowels are always pronounced — say the “-chee” clearly, not “-cher.”
• Italian “e” is a clean “eh” (as in “bet”), so ci vediamo is “chee veh-DYAH-mo.”

Cultural Notes

Italians often pair goodbyes with gestures: a handshake in formal settings, or two cheek kisses (right cheek first) among friends and family. It’s also common — and appreciated — to soften a goodbye with a wish such as:

• Buona giornata! — Have a good day!
• Buona serata! — Have a good evening!
• Buon viaggio! — Have a good trip!
• Stammi bene! — Take care! (informal)

The golden rule mirrors the hello rule: when in doubt, choose Arrivederci — it is never wrong, never rude, and always sounds polished.