Vocabulary

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Lesson Transcript

Let's take a closer look at each of these expressions.
In the first conversation, do you remember how Mark says,
"Good morning, Ms. Romano."
Buongiorno, signora Romano.
First is Buongiorno, which literally means "good day," but translates as "good morning" in this context. Buongiorno. Buongiorno.
Note, Buongiorno is a flexible greeting that can be used to mean "good morning," "good afternoon" or even just "hello." You can use it all day until the evening.
Next is signora, "Ms." Signora. Signora. This is an honorific used for women.
Finally, the teacher's family name, Romano. Romano. Romano. Romano.
Together, signora Romano. "Ms. Romano." Signora Romano.
All together, Buongiorno, signora Romano. "Good morning, Ms. Romano."
Buongiorno, signora Romano.
When including a person's name in a greeting, it's more common to say the person's name after the greeting.
Note: using a person's family name in a greeting may come across as more formal.
Do you remember the teacher's response?
"Good morning, Mr. Lee."
Buongiorno, signor Lee.
First is Buongiorno, "Good morning," in this context. Buongiorno.
Next, signor "Mr." signor. Signor. This is an honorific used for men.
Signor is actually a shortened version of signore, Mr. Before family names, it's common to drop the -e.
Finally, Mark's family name, Lee, pronounced in Italian. Lee. Lee. "Lee."
All together, it's Buongiorno, signor Lee. "Good morning, Mr. Lee."
Rosa Romano:Buongiorno, signor Lee.
Note, this exchange is formal.
In the second conversation, which takes place at noon, do you remember how Karen says,
"Good afternoon."
Hint: it's the same greeting as the one used in the morning.
Buongiorno.
Note that Karen's greeting is slightly less formal, as she doesn't say the teacher's name.
Buongiorno. "Good afternoon." Buongiorno.
The teacher's response is the same,
Buongiorno.
This can translate as "Hello," or "Good afternoon."
Buongiorno is a common way to greet people during the day. You can use it in both formal and less formal situations.
In the third conversation, which takes place in the evening at 6pm, do you remember how Ben says,
"Good evening."
Buonasera.
Buonasera. Literally, "Good evening." Buonasera.
Buonasera.
Buonasera is a common way to greet people during the evening and at night, in both formal and less formal situations.
Do you remember the teacher's response,
"Good evening, Ben."
Buonasera, Ben.
Buonasera. "Good evening." Buonasera.
Next is Ben's name pronounced in Italian. Ben. Ben. Ben.
Together, it's Buonasera, Ben. "Good evening, Ben."
Buonasera, Ben.
Note that the teacher addresses Ben by his first name, as he's younger. This makes the greeting sound more informal.
In Italian, there is an expression for "Good afternoon," Buon pomeriggio.
Buon "good," and pomeriggio, "afternoon."
Buon pomeriggio. "Good afternoon." Buon pomeriggio.
You can use this greeting if you really want to bring attention to the fact that it's the afternoon. Otherwise you can simply say Buongiorno from the morning to early evening.

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