buonasera

/ˈbwɔ.naˈseː.ra/
interjectionBeginner good evening
formal

A polite greeting used in the evening, equivalent to 'good evening' in English.

Buonasera a tutti!

Good evening everyone!

💡

Used from late afternoon until evening. More formal than 'buonanotte' (good night).

💡Pro Tip

When to use

Use 'buonasera' from around 4-5 PM until midnight. After midnight, 'buonanotte' (good night) is more appropriate.

Gold Rule

Formality

Always use 'buonasera' when addressing strangers, elders, or in formal settings. It is more polite than 'ciao'.

📖Word Origin

From Italian 'buono' (good) + 'sera' (evening). The phrase literally means 'good evening'.

📝Usage Notes

Used as a greeting when meeting someone in the evening or when leaving in the evening. In informal contexts, 'ciao' may replace it.

Word Breakdown

buono
good
adjective
+
sera
evening
noun
Dizionario Italiano-Inglese