Short answer: "hello" in Italian is Ciao, or Salve depending on the situation.
Ciao, the core translation
The default way to say "hello" in Italian is Ciao. Pronounced roughly CHOW.
When Italian speakers actually use it
Ciao is friendly and universal; Salve is a polite neutral option.
Alternative: Salve
Salve is the other option Italian speakers reach for in this situation. It's not a synonym so much as a register shift, use the one that matches who you're talking to.
Practice this in a real Italian conversation
Reading a phrase and saying it out loud are two different skills. Skala's AI conversations let you drop "Ciao" into a real Italian exchange in your first 3-minute lesson, so it sticks the first time.
Start learning Italian today
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FAQ
What's the most polite way to say "hello" in Italian?
Both Ciao and Salve are polite. Pick based on who you're talking to: register, not translation, is what natives are tuning into.
How do I pronounce Ciao?
Roughly CHOW. Recording yourself once and comparing to a native audio inside Skala closes the gap faster than reading pronunciation guides.