A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "What's up" in Italian
A casual Italian greeting, similar to 'What's up?' or 'How's it going?' for friends and acquaintances.
Come va?
KOH-meh VAHcasual
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you see a friend or someone you know well, perhaps bumping into them on the street or at a cafe. It's a quick, friendly check-in before diving into conversation.
Alternatives
- Come stai?Also very common and informal, but slightly more direct about the person's well-being.
- Che si dice?More like 'What's new?' or 'What's the word?' – good for catching up on gossip.
- Tutto bene?Literally 'All good?', often used as a quick greeting and to check if everything is okay.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't say 'Cosa va?'
This is not a natural Italian greeting; 'Come va?' is the correct idiomatic phrase.
Confusing 'va' with 'vai'
'Va' is the third-person singular of 'andare' (to go), used here impersonally. 'Vai' is the second-person singular ('you go').
A small cultural note
While 'Come va?' is widely understood, some regions might favor other informal greetings more heavily. It's a safe bet almost anywhere, though.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between Come va and Come stai?
'Come va?' is more general, like 'How's it going?' or 'What's happening?'. 'Come stai?' is more personal, asking directly about the person's physical and emotional state.
Can I use Come va with strangers?
It's best to stick to more neutral greetings like 'Buongiorno' or 'Salve' with people you don't know. 'Come va?' implies a level of familiarity.
How do Italians respond to Come va?
Common responses include 'Tutto bene' (All good), 'Bene, grazie' (Good, thanks), or a reciprocal 'E tu?' (And you?). You can also give a brief update if you like.
