Learn How to Pronounce ciao

Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!

Find your word:

Try:

Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!

How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

ciao

Definition:

(nou) an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is Hawaiian and ciao is Italian)

Examples:

Similar pronunciation to ciao in Italian.

The belle ciao article is really a stretch.

Learn more about:

ciao

Related Words:

How to perfect your pronunciation of: ciao

Learn Individual Sounds

Break ciao down into individual sounds such as . Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say ciao in their accents, then try to repeat after them.

Pick an Accent

Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

Record Yourself

Say ciao in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with ciao.

Get a Native Tutor

Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of ciao pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "ciao" as /tʃiˈaʊ/. The correct pronunciation is /ˈtʃaʊ/ in both US and UK English. Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable.
  2. Incorrect vowel sounds: Some may pronounce "ciao" with a long "i" sound, saying /ˈtʃiːaʊ/. The correct vowel sound is a short "a" as in /ˈtʃaʊ/. Tip: Focus on the "a" sounding like the "ow" in "cow."
  3. Adding extra syllables: Learners sometimes add an extra syllable, pronouncing it as /tʃiˈaʊəʊ/. The correct pronunciation is a two-syllable word: /ˈtʃaʊ/. Tip: Keep it simple; "ciao" has just two syllables.
  4. Confusing with similar words: Some may confuse "ciao" with "chow" and pronounce it as /tʃaʊ/. While they sound similar, "ciao" is distinctly Italian and should be pronounced /ˈtʃaʊ/. Tip: Practice saying "ciao" separately to avoid mixing it up.
  5. Overemphasizing the "c": Some learners might pronounce "ciao" with a hard "c," saying /kʃaʊ/. The correct sound is a soft "ch" as in /ˈtʃaʊ/. Tip: Think of "ciao" starting with "ch" like in "chocolate."

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "ciao" correctly?

The word "ciao" is pronounced as /ˈtʃaʊ/ in both American and British English. The first sound is like "ch" in "chat," followed by the diphthong "ow," as in "how."

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "ciao" between American and British English?

There is no significant difference in the pronunciation of "ciao" between American and British English; both use /ˈtʃaʊ/. However, the context of usage may vary, with "ciao" being more common in informal settings.

What is the correct syllable stress for "ciao"?

The word "ciao" has primary stress on the first syllable, pronounced as /ˈtʃaʊ/. This means you emphasize the "chow" sound when saying the word.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "ciao"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing "ciao" as /ˈsiːoʊ/, which is incorrect. Remember to use the "ch" sound at the beginning and the diphthong "ow" to pronounce it correctly.
Improve your pronunciation with a convenient app anywhere, anytime