Ever wish you could start an Italian conversation confidently from the first “Ciao”? In this A1 guide, you’ll learn the most common greetings, how to introduce yourself, and how to ask someone’s name—plus easy cultural tips so you sound natural. Practice as you go with quick, interactive exercises!

Essential greetings you’ll hear every day

Italian has friendly, flexible greetings. Here are the core ones you’ll use from morning to night:

• Ciao — Hi/bye (informal, friends/family)
• Buongiorno — Good morning; hello (daytime, polite)
• Buonasera — Good evening (late afternoon/evening, polite)
• Salve — Neutral hello (polite, any time)
• Arrivederci — Goodbye (polite)

Use informal with people your age, friends, or kids. Use polite forms with strangers, staff, teachers, or anyone you want to show respect to.

Mi Luca.

Introductions: names, origins, and polite vs informal

To introduce yourself, use the reflexive verb “chiamarsi” (to be called):

• Mi chiamo Anna. — My name is Anna. To ask someone’s name:
• Informal: Come ti chiami? — What’s your name?
• Polite: Come si chiama? — What’s your name? (formal)

To say where you’re from:

• Sono di Milano. — I’m from Milan. Ask about origin:
• Di dove sei? (informal) / Di dov’è? (formal) — Where are you from?

Sono Milano.

“Essere” (to be) pops up everywhere

You’ll see the verb “essere” in introductions (Sono Marco), feelings (Sono stanco), and origin (Sono di Napoli). Here’s the present tense:

Io sono chiamato Marco. → Mi chiamo Marco. Italian prefers the reflexive verb chiamarsi (mi chiamo) to introduce your name. Come sei? → Come stai? Use stare for “how are you?” — Come stai? (informal) / Come sta? (formal).

Cultural notes: sounding natural

• In formal contexts, a simple smile + Buongiorno goes a long way. Add signore/signora when appropriate.
• Handshakes are common in first meetings. Cheek kisses happen among friends/family, often after you already know each other.
• In shops, greet when you enter (Buongiorno) and say Arrivederci when you leave.
• Italians appreciate names! Repeat the other person’s name: “Piacere, Marco.”

Quick practice: mini dialogues to try

• A: Buongiorno. Mi chiamo Laura. — B: Piacere, sono Paolo.
• A: Ciao! Come ti chiami? — B: Mi chiamo Chiara. Sono di Firenze.

Say them out loud. Swap names and cities to personalize.

Wrap-up

You now have the core greetings, how to introduce yourself, and how to ask someone’s name—plus polite vs informal choices. Keep it simple:

• Ciao (informal), Buongiorno / Buonasera (polite)
• Mi chiamo… / Sono di…
• Come ti chiami? / Come si chiama?

Practice every day with a short line at the café or shop. One friendly Buongiorno at a time, your Italian will feel more natural!