How Do You Say Goodbye in the Italian Language: 10+ Ways to Say "Goodbye" in Italian

“Farewell” can be a tough thing to say. Some goodbyes can seem very permanent, and many people dislike the word entirely. Parting ways is often seen as a negative experience.

However, it is also seen as customary as saying “please” and “thank you.” Regardless of the connotation, saying goodbye is also as important in many conversations as a standard greeting. The comfort of knowing that you said goodbye to someone special can ease your mind throughout the day.

The Italian Frequency Dictionary series teaches you 10,000 most common Italian words. They're listed by their frequency of occurrence, which makes this series truly unique. In every entry, you'll find a translation, pronunciation, basic grammar information, and an example sentence translated into English. It makes vocabulary learning incredibly effective. 

How to Say Goodbye in Italian

In Italian, the word "goodbye" is translated as arrivederci. The pronunciation would be something like [ah-ree-vuh-dah-chee] or [əˌɹiːvəˈdɛətʃi] if you prefer the IPA transcription.

It is safe to use in any formal situation. However, there are other ways to bid a loved one adieu. Here are some examples:

What Does "Ciao" Mean in Italian

Next to arrivederci, ciao is the second-most common way to say “goodbye.” It’s very informal and closely comparable to simply say “bye” to a friend in English. It's pronounced [ˈt͡ʃao]. It can also be used as a greeting. 

• Ciao, ciao. – Bye-bye. (You can use a double Ciao, ciao meaning “bye-bye.” It’s never a greeting, though.
• Ciao, bella. – Hello, gorgeous. (A single Ciao is often an informal greeting as well.)

A presto/a dopo – see you soon/later

Temporary goodbyes are the ones most commonly used. These are very informal phrases and would typically be used between friends or relatives. Both can also mean “talk to you soon/later.”

Ci vediamo presto – We’ll see each other soon

This phrase is another informal way to say goodbye to a friend. It is one of the most commonly used “goodbyes” between friends. Presto directly translates to “soon.” This phrase is best used among the friends you see most frequently. 

A domani – See you tomorrow

To go along with the previous phrase, this can be used if you have plans to meet with someone the next day. It’s a more direct approach than “soon,” which can be very open-ended.

• A domani, ragazzi. - See you tomorrow, guys.
• Domani means "tomorrow."

How to Say "Good Night" in Italian

1. Buona notte (or, alternatively, Buonanotte) – This is the most common way to say good night in Italian. It’s informal. You would say it to your family or close friends.

2. Buona sera – This phrase means "good evening," but it can also be used at the very end of the night. This can either be said directly before bed or in the late hours of the night when parting ways.

For example, if you are out very late with friends. Alternatively, if you are with a group and part ways close to midnight, this phrase would still work.

3. Buona serata – While similar to buona sera, buona serata is used only as a goodbye if you wish others to have a good evening.

Polite Goodbyes in Italian –  Quick Summary

Let’s sum it up:

1. Formal Goodbye is Arrivederci.
2. Informal Bye is Ciao. However, it can also mean “hi.”
3. If you know you will see the person later, say A dopo or A presto.
4. Buona notte means “Good night.”

These are all very polite greetings that are most commonly used. However, not all goodbyes are so civil. The following are hopefully not ones that would be frequently used but are occasionally necessary:

How to Get Rid of Someone in Italian

• Fanculo! – Bug off!

• Sparisci – Get Lost!

This is a less abrasive yet still hostile version of fanculo. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to get rid of someone, this is what you would use.

Hopefully, though, you will not need to use either! While these are very harsh ways of communication, they are sometimes necessary when safety is a concern. 

With a range of versatile ways to say goodbye, Italian travels and communication will be much easier. Whether you’re pleasantly bidding a loved one or friend farewell or trying to ditch an unwelcome stranger, there is an Italian phrase at your disposal.

With that being said, arrivederci! Or rather A presto!