Polite Ways to Say "Goodbye" in Italian
The standard polite goodbye in Italian is "Arrivederci", which works in most neutral and courteous situations. For extra formality, especially with strangers or superiors, use "ArrivederLa".
The most common way
A polite, neutral goodbye; literally 'until we see each other again', but used as the standard courteous farewell.
How to say it: Stress the third syllable: ar-ree-veh-DER-chee. The 'ci' sounds like 'chee', not 'see'.
Other ways to say it
- formal
A more respectful, formal goodbye, using the formal 'you' (Lei); it sounds more distant and courteous than Arrivederci.
When to use it: Use with strangers, older people, customers, or superiors when you address them as Lei.
- polite, warm
Have a good day; a soft, warm farewell often added after goodbye.
When to use it: Use when leaving a shop, office, or appointment during the day, especially with people you do not know well.
- polite, evening
Have a good evening; a polite and warm farewell used later in the day.
When to use it: Use when leaving a restaurant, event, or workplace in the evening.
- friendly
See you soon; friendly but still polite, suggesting you expect to meet again.
When to use it: Use with colleagues, acquaintances, or friends when a next meeting is likely.
- professional, casual
We'll be in touch / talk soon; relaxed but courteous, common on calls and among colleagues.
When to use it: Use with colleagues, clients you know, or friends when you will communicate again soon, not with strangers in very formal contexts.
In a conversation
- A
, . .
Thank you for your time, doctor. Goodbye (formal).
- B
. !
Thank you. Have a good day!
- A
, . .
Thanks, same to you. See you soon.
Common mistakes
Ciao, professore.→ ArrivederLa, professore.Ciao is informal and can sound disrespectful to a professor or stranger; use the formal farewell.
Buona giornata! (said late at night)→ Buona serata!Buona giornata is for daytime; in the evening Italians say Buona serata.