How Do You Say Hello in Rome?

By Robert Palmer

How Do You Say Hello in Rome?

When visiting a new country, it’s always helpful to know a few basic greetings in the local language. In Rome, the capital city of Italy, the traditional greeting is “Ciao” (pronounced chow).

However, there are a few other greetings that you might find useful during your stay. Let’s explore them below.

Greetings in Rome:

1. Ciao:

Ciao is the most common and informal way to say hello in Rome.

It can be used at any time of day and with people of any age or social status. Italians often use this word to greet both friends and strangers.

2. Buongiorno:

Buongiorno means “good morning” in Italian. This greeting is typically used until around 1 p.m., after which you can switch to saying “buonasera” (good evening).

3. Buonasera:

Buonasera is used to greet someone in the evening or later in the day when it’s closer to nighttime. It’s a polite way to say hello after 1 p.

4. Salve:

Salve is a more formal way of saying hello and can be used throughout the day. It is often used when addressing someone you don’t know well or someone who holds a position of authority.

Other Useful Expressions:

  • Grazie: Thank you
  • Prego: You’re welcome
  • Scusa: Excuse me
  • Per favore: Please
  • Arrivederci: Goodbye

Learning a few basic greetings and expressions can go a long way in making your trip to Rome more enjoyable. Italians appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words. So, don’t hesitate to say “Ciao” and start your conversations with a friendly greeting!