How to Say Goodbye in Italian

In the previous lesson, you learned how to greet people when you meet them. Now it's time to explore the other side of social interactions: saying goodbye. Knowing how to properly part ways is just as important as greeting someone, and using the right phrase can leave a positive impression.

In this lesson, you'll discover all the key parting phrases and expressions you need to confidently say goodbye in Italian, whether you are with friends, family, colleagues, or strangers.

How to Say Goodbye in Italian

There are two main ways to say goodbye in Italian, depending on the level of formality and the situation.

Ciao

Ciao is a very versatile word in Italian: it can mean both hello and goodbye. It’s casual and friendly, perfect for informal situations.

You would use ciao with friends, family, or people you know well. It conveys warmth and friendliness, but is not suitable for formal or professional settings.

Arrivederci

Arrivederci is a more formal way of saying goodbye. Literally, it means until we see each other again.

Use it in professional or respectful contexts, such as speaking to a boss, elderly people, or someone you don't know well. It is polite and appropriate for almost any formal encounter.

Other Parting Phrases

Besides ciao and arrivederci, Italian has a rich variety of ways to say goodbye. Even less common phrases are frequently used in everyday conversation, so it’s useful to know them.

Ci vediamo

See you

This phrase literally means we’ll see each other. It’s friendly and versatile, often used among friends and colleagues.

You can add more information to indicate when you will see the person again:

A domani

See you tomorrow

Similar to ci vediamo, a domani is a friendly phrase that can also be customized for other timeframes:

Other Common Expressions

Stammi bene, Statemi bene

Stammi bene is used when speaking to one person, meaning take care.

Statemi bene is the plural form, used when addressing multiple people. Both convey warmth and concern for the other person’s well-being.

Arrivederla

A more formal version of arrivederci, arrivederla is rarely used in modern conversation. It’s mostly found in very formal or traditional settings.

Addio

Farewell

Addio is reserved for situations when you do not expect to see the person again. It’s highly formal, emotional, and should be used sparingly. It’s often heard in literature, movies, or dramatic farewells.

Example Conversations

Summary

In Italian, saying goodbye can range from casual to formal, and knowing which expression to use in the right context is important. Ciao is informal and friendly, while arrivederci and arrivederla are polite and formal. Phrases like ci vediamo, a domani, and stammi bene add warmth and specificity to farewells. Finally, addio is a serious, emotional farewell used when parting for a long time or permanently.

By practicing these phrases and understanding the context in which to use them, you’ll be able to leave a positive impression every time you say goodbye in Italian.