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interjection

ciao

IT /tʃˈao/
/tʃˈao/

Hi / bye — an informal greeting

Definitions

  1. 1

    An informal way to say hello when meeting someone

    “Ciao, come stai oggi pomeriggio?”

    Hi, how are you this afternoon?

  2. 2

    An informal way to say goodbye when leaving

    “Ciao, ci vediamo domani mattina presto!”

    Bye, see you early tomorrow morning!

Word forms

Usage
Invariable interjection; used only in informal contexts with friends, family, or peers, not in formal situations.

Very informal; avoid using it with strangers, officials, or in professional settings where "buongiorno" or "buonasera" is more appropriate.