ciao
word
/ˈtʃaʊ/
chow
/tʃˈaʊ/
chow
Definition
An informal greeting or farewell, originally from Italian, used to say hello or goodbye.
Usage & Nuances
'Ciao' is informal and mostly used in European languages or among people familiar with Italian. In English, it's playful or cosmopolitan but not standard, and usually not used in formal situations.
Spanish: ciaoPortuguese (BR): ciaoPortuguese (PT): ciaoChinese (Simplified): 嗨 - 再见Chinese (Traditional): 嗨 - 再見Hindi: चाओArabic: تشاوBengali: চাও (ইতালীয় অভিবাদন)Russian: чао (итальянское приветствие/прощание)Japanese: チャオ（イタリア語のあいさつ）Vietnamese: ciao (chào, tạm biệt – tiếng Ý)Korean: 차오 (이탈리아 인사말)Turkish: ciao (İtalyanca selamlaşma/vedalaşma)Urdu: چاؤ (اطالوی طرز کا سلام/الوداع)Indonesian: ciao (salam/selamat tinggal – bahasa Italia)
Example Sentences
It's common to greet someone with 'ciao' in Italy.
basic
She waved and said 'ciao' as she left.
basic
We always say 'ciao' after class just for fun.
natural
I use 'ciao' when texting my Italian friends.
natural
'Ciao!' she called out as the train door closed.
natural
When I entered the café, I said 'ciao' to my friend.
basic