馃嚠馃嚬 Italian phrases

How to Say "Hi" in Italian

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Ciao
"Hi" in Italian 路 say it like chow

The most natural way to say "Hi" in Italian is Ciao. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Salve
more formal or polite greeting
Buongiorno
used in the morning until early afternoon

When to use it

You can use 'Ciao' with friends and family in informal settings. It is a versatile greeting that works at any time of day. Avoid using it in formal situations or with people you don't know well.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Hi" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Italian

ItalianEnglish
Ciao, come stai?Hi, how are you?
Ciao a tutti!Hi everyone!
Common mistake
Learners often use 'Ciao' in formal situations, which can be inappropriate.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Ciao, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Italian with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use 'Ciao' at any time of day?

'Ciao' is best for informal situations, regardless of the time.

Learn Italian by speaking it

Two free conversations. No card needed.