How do you say Good evening in Italian?
The most common way to say “good evening” in Italian is Buonasera. Here are the main options, when to use each, and how to pronounce them.
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Buonasera
bwoh-nah-SEH-rah
Said on arriving. Italians start using it surprisingly early — often from mid-afternoon.
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Buona serata
bwoh-nah seh-RAH-tah
Said on leaving: “have a good evening”.
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Buonanotte
bwoh-nah-NOT-teh
Good night, at bedtime.
Use it in a sentence
- Good evening, a table for two.Buonasera, un tavolo per due.
- Good evening, how are you?Buonasera, come sta?
- Have a good evening!Buona serata!
- Good night!Buonanotte!
Good to know
When buonasera begins varies by region — in the south you may hear it from around 4 p.m., in the north closer to dusk.
Written as one word or two (buona sera); both are correct.