addio

/adˈdi.o/
interjectionBeginner goodbye
formal

A farewell or parting phrase used when leaving or ending a conversation.

È ora di andare, addio a tutti voi.

It's time to go, goodbye to all of you.

💡

Can be used in both formal and emotional contexts, often implying a more permanent or final separation.

emotional

A farewell or parting phrase used when someone is leaving permanently or when parting ways for a long time.

Dopo vent'anni all'estero, disse addio all'Italia.

After twenty years abroad, he said goodbye to Italy.

💡

Often carries a sense of finality or deep emotion.

Collocations

dire addioto say goodbyeun addio commossoa moved goodbyeaddio per sempregoodbye forever

💡Pro Tip

When to use 'addio'

Use 'addio' when you want to express a more formal or final goodbye, especially in emotional or permanent farewells. It is not typically used in casual or temporary partings.

Gold Rule

Formality and finality

'Addio' is the most formal way to say goodbye in Italian and implies a sense of finality. It is often used in literature, poetry, or when parting ways for a long time.

📖Word Origin

From the phrase 'a Dio' (to God), literally 'to God', implying a farewell under God's protection.

📝Usage Notes

'Addio' is more formal and final than 'ciao' or 'arrivederci'. It is often used in emotional or permanent farewells, such as when leaving a place or person for a long time.

Word Breakdown

a
to
preposition
+
Dio
God
noun
Dizionario Italiano-Inglese