How to greet and say "ciao ciao"!
We all know Italians in general are an affectionate and passionate people, but did you know that this also carries over into their greetings, salutations and signatures? Whether bumping into someone on the street, writing and email or text, or chatting on the phone, here's how to do it:
First of all, the double cheek kiss is the common greeting for pretty much everyone. Friends, people you're introduced to, coworkers, neighbors, whomever - kiss everyone! It can be an air kiss, cheek touch or lip-to-skin contact. Linger for a bit if they're cute. Whatever you want, just kiss away!
Then with friends and people you know, it's common to be greeted with a "ciao bella," "ciao carina," "buongiorno cara," etc. (hello beautiful, hello dear, good day/good morning dear). But I think this is mostly true for women.
Then there are multiple expressions to follow up and ask how someone is doing:
1. Come stai? How are you?
2. Tutto bello? or Tutto e bello? Literally translates to "is everything beautiful" but kinda means, is everything good.
3. Come va? How's it going?
4. Tutto bene? Is all good?
Then there's the signature for emails, texts, etc. This still confuses me a bit though. You pretty much see "baci" or "xx" from all friends. Basically this just means "kisses." If you're flirting or want to use a term of endearment of affection, you can say, "ciao tesoro(a)," which literally means "treasure." Or you can throw in more xxxx's or say "tanti baci" which means many kisses.
And don't forget the "ciao ciao", or "bye bye" when leaving somewhere. Actually just use as many ciao's as you want. When hanging up the phone or parting ways after an aperitivo, just start shooting off those ciao's. "Ciaoooo, ciao, ciao, ciao, ciao, ciao!"
So ciao ciao amici! Baci per tutti! (Kisses for all)
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By Admin Apartments Florence (9/26/2010 1:49:38 PM, in Life & Culture, read 512 times)
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