Polite Ways to Say "Hello" in Italian
The safest polite hello in Italian is "Buongiorno" during the day and "Buonasera" in the evening. "Salve" is a useful neutral-polite alternative when you do not want to specify the time of day.
The most common way
Good morning / good day; the standard polite hello used during the day.
How to say it: Say it as one word, not "buon giorno": bwon-JOR-no, with the stress on JOR and the "gi" sounding like English "j".
Other ways to say it
- neutral polite
A neutral, slightly formal hello that works at any time of day; less warm than "buongiorno".
When to use it: Use it with strangers, shop staff, or acquaintances when you want to be polite without choosing morning or evening.
- formal evening
Good evening; a polite hello used from late afternoon onward.
When to use it: Use it in the evening with strangers, older people, or in professional settings.
- on the phone
Hello? — used when answering the phone, not as an in-person greeting.
When to use it: Use it only when you pick up a phone call; it is neutral and polite.
- first meeting
Nice to meet you; a polite greeting formula used when you are introduced to someone.
When to use it: Use it right after an introduction, often with a handshake.
In a conversation
- A
, ?
Good morning, can I help you?
- B
, , .
Good morning, I'm just looking, thank you.
Common mistakes
Ciao, professore→ Buongiorno, professore"Ciao" is too informal with a teacher or professor; use a polite greeting instead.
Buona notte→ Buonasera"Buona notte" is said when leaving or going to bed, not as a hello when you arrive at night.
Pronto→ Buongiorno / Salve"Pronto" is only used when answering the phone, not when greeting someone in person.