Signification
Greeting.
Contexte culturel
Saying 'buongiorno' when entering a shop is not just a greeting; it's a social requirement. If you skip it, you might receive slower or less friendly service. In the South, the switch to 'buonasera' often happens much earlier than in the North, sometimes immediately after the midday meal (around 1:30 PM). In professional emails, 'Buongiorno' is often followed by the person's title and last name, emphasizing the hierarchy and respect inherent in Italian business culture. There is a specific subculture of sending 'Buongiorno' images (often with flowers or coffee) on WhatsApp and Facebook, particularly among the older generation.
The Bar Rule
Always say 'Buongiorno' to the barista before you even look at the pastries. It's the key to good service.
The 2 PM Switch
After 2 PM, start listening to what locals say. If they say 'Buonasera', you should too, even if it's sunny.
Signification
Greeting.
The Bar Rule
Always say 'Buongiorno' to the barista before you even look at the pastries. It's the key to good service.
The 2 PM Switch
After 2 PM, start listening to what locals say. If they say 'Buonasera', you should too, even if it's sunny.
Eye Contact
In Italy, 'Buongiorno' is usually accompanied by brief, direct eye contact and a slight nod.
Writing it
While 'buon giorno' is correct, 'buongiorno' (one word) is much more common in modern Italian.
Teste-toi
Which greeting is most appropriate when entering a bakery at 10:00 AM?
Entri in un panificio alle 10:00. Cosa dici?
10:00 AM is the perfect time for 'Buongiorno'. 'Buonasera' is for evening, 'Ciao bella' is too informal, and 'Buonanotte' is for sleep.
Complete the formal email opening.
________, Dottor Rossi, Le scrivo per...
In a formal email to a professional (Dottore), 'Buongiorno' is the correct choice.
Match the greeting to the time of day.
Match 08:00, 13:00, and 20:00 with the correct greeting.
Buongiorno is used in the morning and early afternoon. Buonasera takes over in the evening.
Complete the dialogue between a student and a teacher.
Studente: '________, professoressa!' | Professoressa: 'Buongiorno, Marco. Come stai?'
Students should use 'Buongiorno' with teachers to show respect.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Buongiorno vs. Buona Giornata
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEntri in un panificio alle 10:00. Cosa dici?
10:00 AM is the perfect time for 'Buongiorno'. 'Buonasera' is for evening, 'Ciao bella' is too informal, and 'Buonanotte' is for sleep.
________, Dottor Rossi, Le scrivo per...
In a formal email to a professional (Dottore), 'Buongiorno' is the correct choice.
Match 08:00, 13:00, and 20:00 with the correct greeting.
Buongiorno is used in the morning and early afternoon. Buonasera takes over in the evening.
Studente: '________, professoressa!' | Professoressa: 'Buongiorno, Marco. Come stai?'
Students should use 'Buongiorno' with teachers to show respect.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, but 'ciao' is more common. Using 'buongiorno' with friends can sound a bit formal or even jokingly serious.
It is neutral-to-formal. It's the safest greeting because it's never rude, whereas 'ciao' can be.
Usually after lunch (around 1:30-2:00 PM). There is no hard rule, but 'buonasera' is safer in the late afternoon.
You can, but 'buona giornata' (have a good day) or 'arrivederci' (goodbye) is much more common for departures.
It's just a cheerful, slightly old-fashioned variation. It's like saying 'Good day!' in a very bright voice.
Both are correct, but the single word 'buongiorno' is the standard way to write the greeting today.
Yes! Just say 'Buongiorno a tutti' to address everyone at once.
Simply repeat 'Buongiorno' back, or add 'come sta?' (how are you?) if you want to continue the conversation.
Yes, it's the standard polite way to start a professional email written in the morning.
Specifically it means 'good morning/day'. For a general 'hello' at any time, you could use 'salve'.
No, that would be 'buonanotte' or 'buonasera'. 'Buongiorno' starts when the sun comes up or when people start their workday.
Yes, it is universal from the Alps to Sicily.
Expressions liées
buona giornata
similarHave a good day
buonasera
contrastGood evening
buondì
synonymGood day
ciao
informal alternativeHi/Bye
buon pomeriggio
specialized formGood afternoon
salve
similarHello
