What does, and how exactly is (Not sure if spelled right) BONJOURNO used in Italy?

Question

I just came back from rome and I never heard that word used once. They always said Ciao for hello and goodbye.. oh and something else i cant remmember.

Answer 1

I can't believe nobody said that to you.  I returned from Italy on 3/15 and heard it constantly.  Perhaps you didn't understand what was being said to you.  It sounds more like buongiorno.

Answer 2

are you serious?

its like hello or something

Answer 3

Bonjourno - Goodmorning

Bonenoitte - Goodnight

Bene grazie - fine thanks

Answer 4

Buongiorno (lit. good day) is the most used formal greeting form in Italy. It is used when you meet someone the first time and it is equivalent to good morning/good afternoon.When you leave you say "arrivederci" (lit. to when we'll meet again)

Some other forms are buonasera (good evening) and buonanotte (good night). The exact times of one ending and the other beginning depend by local habits (in northern Italy "buonasera begins quite soon, let' say just after lunch).

You never heard "buongiorno" in rome because:

- you are very young (buongiorno is formal)

- you move always in "informal context" (no shopping?)

- you speak english only (italians tend to behave "informal" with foreigners)

- you live only at night or late evening, then you got only buonasera! ;-)

Answer 5

In theory there are some specific time for using buongiorno, buon pomeriggio, buonasera, buonanotte.

In fact, buongiorno is used from when you wake up (well, unless you're a vampire :) till sunset; from sunset till 22:00, say buonasera, then buonanotte.

But those are all formal, used to greeting people you don't know yet or somebody you want to show respect to (somebody older, your chief in the office, your teacher, the sales clerk, etc)

Same for "arrivederci" (literally, " (I hope) to see (meet) each other again"), when leaving.

"Ciao" is informal, but the most common greeting between people of similar age-span, even if they don't know each other, yet. And you're right, it's used for both "hello" and "goodbye".

"Salve" is another quiet used informal way for "Hello".  

Buongiorno (or buon giorno) = "good day"

Buon pomeriggio = good afternoon

Buonasera (buona sera) = good evening

Buonanotte (buona notte) = good night (only after 22:00)

Good morning should be "buona mattina", but actually is not used.

The one word form is the most used.

Answer 6

cannot believe you