Meaning
A formal greeting in the evening.
Cultural Background
The 'Passeggiata' is the evening stroll where 'Buonasera' is the most heard word. It's a time for social connection. In the South, 'Buonasera' can start as early as 1:30 PM, right after the midday meal (pranzo). TV hosts use 'Buonasera' to build a sense of intimacy and respect with the audience during prime time. Using 'Buonasera' in an email sent after 5 PM is considered very professional and attentive.
The 4 PM Rule
When in doubt, start using Buonasera at 4:00 PM. It's never considered rude to be slightly early with it.
Avoid 'Ciao' with Elders
Even if it's evening, don't use 'Ciao' with people much older than you unless they ask. Stick to 'Buonasera'.
Meaning
A formal greeting in the evening.
The 4 PM Rule
When in doubt, start using Buonasera at 4:00 PM. It's never considered rude to be slightly early with it.
Avoid 'Ciao' with Elders
Even if it's evening, don't use 'Ciao' with people much older than you unless they ask. Stick to 'Buonasera'.
The TV Trick
Listen to the first 10 seconds of an Italian news broadcast (TG1 or TG5) to hear the perfect professional pronunciation.
Eye Contact
When saying 'Buonasera', make brief eye contact. It's part of the formal respect the word implies.
Test Yourself
You walk into a restaurant at 8:00 PM. What do you say to the host?
Choose the correct greeting:
Buonasera is the correct formal greeting for the evening.
Complete the dialogue between a customer and a shopkeeper at 5:00 PM.
Cliente: '________, vorrei comprare un vestito.'
You use 'Buonasera' when arriving and starting a conversation.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
1. Buonasera 2. Buonanotte 3. Buona serata
Buonasera is for arrival, Buonanotte for sleep, and Buona serata for departure.
Fill in the missing part of the formal phone call.
A: 'Pronto, ________, parlo con il Dottor Rossi?' B: 'Sì, ________, sono io.'
In a formal phone call in the evening, both parties use 'buonasera'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Italian Time-Based Greetings
Morning
- • Buongiorno
Evening
- • Buonasera
Bedtime
- • Buonanotte
Practice Bank
4 exercisesChoose the correct greeting:
Buonasera is the correct formal greeting for the evening.
Cliente: '________, vorrei comprare un vestito.'
You use 'Buonasera' when arriving and starting a conversation.
1. Buonasera 2. Buonanotte 3. Buona serata
Buonasera is for arrival, Buonanotte for sleep, and Buona serata for departure.
A: 'Pronto, ________, parlo con il Dottor Rossi?' B: 'Sì, ________, sono io.'
In a formal phone call in the evening, both parties use 'buonasera'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not wrong. It's just more traditional. In modern texting and speaking, 'Buonasera' is the standard.
Yes, especially in Southern Italy. It often signals that the 'work morning' is over and the 'social afternoon/evening' has begun.
'Buonasera' is 'Hello'. 'Buona serata' is 'Have a good evening' (Goodbye).
No, 'Buonasera' is invariable as a greeting. You don't say 'Buonoser' for a man!
Yes, it's very common and polite for emails sent in the late afternoon or evening.
Always choose 'Buonasera'. It's better to be too formal than too casual in Italy.
That's a very casual, shortened version. It's like saying ''Evening' instead of 'Good evening'. Use it only with people you know.
Yes, 'Buon pomeriggio', but it's mostly used by professionals or on TV. Most people just use 'Buonasera'.
Simply say 'Buonasera' back, or 'Buonasera a Lei' for extra politeness.
Yes, it is the perfect greeting for a teacher in an evening class.
Related Phrases
Buongiorno
contrastGood morning
Buona serata
similarHave a good evening
Buonanotte
specialized formGood night
Buon pomeriggio
similarGood afternoon
Sera
specialized formEvening (shortened)
