Meaning
hello
- polite greeting used when meeting someone
- polite greeting used in shops or formal situations
In a sentence
Salve, sono Marco.
Hello, I'm Marco.
Salve, è libero questo posto?
Hello, is this seat free?
Salve, non ho una prenotazione.
Hello, I don't have a reservation.
Usage notes
- More neutral and polite than ciao.
- Used both on arrival and when starting a conversation.
- Common in shops, emails, and with people you do not know well.