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Examples of formal vs informal greetings in Italian visualisation

Examples of formal vs informal greetings in Italian

Italian Unveiled: The Distinction Between Formal and Informal Language: Examples of formal vs informal greetings in Italian
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Here are some examples of formal vs. informal greetings in Italian:

Informal greetings (used with friends, peers, family):

  • Ciao (Hi/Bye)
  • Come stai? (How are you?)
  • Che piacere vederti! (What a pleasure to see you!)
  • Ehi (Hey)
  • Bella zio / Bella fratè (Hey bro)
  • Da quanto tempo! (Long time no see)

Formal greetings (used with strangers, elders, professionals):

  • Salve (Hello, polite and somewhat formal)
  • Buongiorno (Good morning/good day)
  • Buonasera (Good evening)
  • Come sta? (Formal How are you?)
  • Piacere di conoscerla (Nice to meet you, formal)
  • Egregio/a (Dear, respected — used in writing)

These examples show how endings and word choice change to reflect formality in Italian greetings, with “ti” endings informal and “la” endings formal in phrases like “Piacere di conoscerti” vs. “Piacere di conoscerla”.

References

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