How to Say Hello in Italian

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Say "ciao" in casual situations.This is one of the two most common ways to say “hello” or “hi” in Italian.

   Note that “ciao” can also be translated as “good-bye” depending on the context it is said in.
   
   While it is a common greeting, ciao is considered fairly informal and is usually used in casual situations or among friends and family.
   
   Pronounce ciao as chow.
2. 2

   Step 2: Switch to "salve" for neutral situations.This is the second most common way to say “hello” in Italian

   While not quite as common as “ciao,” the term “salve” is more appropriate to use amongst people you are not on familiar terms with.
   
   The most formal way to greet someone is with a time-specific greeting, but salve is still appropriate to use with most people.
   
   To put it in the perspective of a native English speaker, “ciao” is like “hi” while “salve” is closer to “hello.” Salve is borrowed from Latin and was used frequently by the Romans during Caesar's time.Like ciao, salve can also be used to say "good-bye" depending on the context.
   
   Pronounce salve as sahl-veh.
3. 3

   Step 3: but is still not very common.

Detailed Guide

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