I hug you tightly! / Sending you a big hug!
'Abbraccio' — ab-BRAC-cio. Double 'c'. Stress on the second syllable. 'Forte' — FOR-te, stress on the first syllable.
Use for warm, affectionate goodbyes with close friends and family — both in person (before or after an actual hug) and in messages or calls when physical contact isn't possible.
'Ti abbraccio forte' (I hug you tightly) is both a literal action description and an expression of affection. In Italian communication — especially in messages — 'un abbraccio' (a hug) is as common as 'regards' in English. It signals closeness and love.
Un abbraccio grande!
A big hug!
Short version — used to end messages, voice notes, and emails to close friends
Ti voglio bene!
I love you (as family/friend)!
'Voler bene' = love in the non-romantic, familial sense. Very important Italian distinction from 'ti amo'
Tanti baci!
Lots of kisses!
Standard Italian message or call closing — kisses ('baci') signal deep affection
'Stella' (star) as a term of endearment is used particularly in southern Italy between friends and family — especially by and to women. Italian has a rich vocabulary of endearments: 'tesoro' (treasure), 'caro/a' (dear), 'amore' (love), 'cuore' (heart) — all used non-romantically among close friends.