NEWS
25 Ways to Say ‘Hello’ in Different Languages
Shutterstock
Greeting someone in their native language can make a meaningful difference in building connections and showing respect. Whether you’re traveling, meeting new people, or simply curious about different cultures, knowing how to say “hello” in various languages is both practical and enriching. Each greeting carries its own unique nuances and cultural significance, reflecting the values and traditions of its speakers.
Let’s explore 25 different ways to say “hello” from around the world, providing you with a glimpse into the diverse ways people welcome each other. Let’s dive into these friendly greetings and expand your ability to connect across cultures.
English: Hello
Shutterstock
“Hello” is the most common greeting in English-speaking countries, serving as a versatile way to acknowledge someone’s presence. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, making it suitable for a wide range of social interactions. People often accompany it with a handshake, wave, or a warm smile to convey friendliness. Additionally, “Hello” has been popularized globally through media and entertainment, making it widely recognized and understood around the world.
Spanish: Hola
Shutterstock
In Spanish-speaking countries, “Hola” is the standard way to say hello and is widely used across various regions. It is a friendly and approachable greeting, suitable for most social interactions, whether you’re meeting friends, family, or even strangers in informal contexts. “Hola” is easy to pronounce, which contributes to its widespread use and acceptance among Spanish speakers. Additionally, it can be combined with other phrases like “¿Cómo estás?” (How are you?) to engage in further conversation.
French: Bonjour
Shutterstock
“Bonjour” translates to “good day” and is the primary greeting used in French-speaking regions, especially before the evening hours. It is considered polite and formal, making it appropriate for both professional settings and casual conversations. People often use “Bonjour” as a sign of respect, especially when addressing someone for the first time or in a business context. In the evening, “Bonsoir” is used instead, reflecting the time of day and maintaining the formality of the greeting.
German: Hallo
Shutterstock
“Hallo” is the German equivalent of “hello” and is versatile enough to be used in both informal and formal situations. It is a straightforward and friendly greeting that can be used with people of all ages and backgrounds. In more formal contexts, Germans might opt for “Guten Tag,” which means “good day,” to convey a higher level of respect. “Hallo” is widely accepted and easily understood across Germany and other German-speaking communities.
Italian: Ciao
Shutterstock
“Ciao” is a versatile Italian greeting used for both “hello” and “goodbye,” making it a convenient choice in everyday interactions. It is informal and commonly used among friends, family, and peers, reflecting the warm and friendly nature of Italian culture. In more formal situations, Italians might prefer “Buongiorno” (good morning) or “Buonasera” (good evening) to maintain a level of respect. “Ciao” is also recognized internationally, often associated with Italian charm and hospitality.
Mandarin Chinese: Nǐ hǎo (你好)
Shutterstock
“Nǐ hǎo” is the standard Mandarin greeting meaning “hello,” widely used across China and Mandarin-speaking communities worldwide. It is a polite and appropriate greeting for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile in various social settings. Proper pronunciation is essential to convey the correct meaning, as Mandarin is a tonal language where different tones can change the meaning of words. “Nǐ hǎo” is often accompanied by a slight bow or handshake, especially in more formal interactions.
Japanese: Konnichiwa (こんにちは)
Shutterstock
“Konnichiwa” is the common way to say “hello” in Japanese, typically used during the daytime hours. It is a polite and respectful greeting suitable for most interactions, whether casual or semi-formal. In the morning, “Ohayō gozaimasu” is used, and in the evening, “Konbanwa” is appropriate, ensuring greetings are contextually appropriate based on the time of day. “Konnichiwa” reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on respect and courtesy in social interactions.
Russian: Privet (Привет)
Shutterstock
“Privet” is an informal Russian greeting equivalent to “hi,” commonly used among friends, family, and peers. It conveys a casual and friendly tone, making it suitable for everyday interactions in relaxed settings. For more formal situations, Russians use “Zdravstvuyte” (Здравствуйте), which shows a higher level of respect and politeness. “Privet” is widely recognized and easily used in informal conversations across Russian-speaking communities.
Arabic: As-salāmu ʿalaykum (السلام عليكم)
Shutterstock
“As-salāmu ʿalaykum” means “peace be upon you” and is a deeply respectful greeting used in Arabic-speaking countries. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, often used in religious and everyday interactions alike. The customary response is “Wa ʿalaykumu as-salām,” which means “and upon you be peace,” fostering a sense of mutual respect and goodwill. This greeting emphasizes the importance of peace and harmony in Arabic culture.
Hindi: Namaste (नमस्ते)
Shutterstock
“Namaste” is a traditional Hindu greeting that translates to “I bow to you,” symbolizing respect and humility. It is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, making it appropriate for various social interactions in India and Nepal. The gesture accompanying “Namaste” involves pressing the palms together and offering a slight bow, enhancing the meaning of respect. “Namaste” is widely recognized and carries cultural significance, often used during ceremonies and daily greetings alike.
Portuguese: Olá
Shutterstock
“Olá” is the standard Portuguese greeting equivalent to “hello,” used in both Portugal and Brazil. It is suitable for casual and formal contexts, making it a flexible choice for various social interactions. The greeting is simple and friendly, facilitating easy communication among Portuguese speakers. “Olá” is widely understood and appreciated for its warmth and approachability in both European and South American Portuguese-speaking communities.
Korean: Annyeong (안녕)
Shutterstock
“Annyeong” is an informal Korean greeting meaning “hi” or “hello,” commonly used among friends, family, and peers. It conveys a casual and friendly tone, making it ideal for relaxed settings and everyday interactions. In more formal situations, Koreans use “Annyeonghaseyo” (안녕하세요) to show respect and politeness. “Annyeong” is an integral part of Korean social etiquette, reflecting the importance of appropriate language use based on the relationship between speakers.
Swahili: Jambo
Shutterstock
“Jambo” is a common greeting in Swahili-speaking regions, particularly in East Africa, and is widely recognized by both locals and visitors. It is informal and typically used among friends and acquaintances, fostering a sense of community and friendliness. For more formal greetings, “Hujambo” is used, which translates to “How are you?” and invites a more detailed response. “Jambo” is cheerful and welcoming, embodying the hospitable nature of Swahili-speaking cultures.
Turkish: Merhaba
Shutterstock
“Merhaba” is the Turkish word for “hello,” suitable for both formal and informal situations. It is widely used across Turkey and among Turkish-speaking communities, making it a versatile greeting in various social contexts. The greeting is friendly and approachable, helping to establish a positive rapport in conversations. “Merhaba” is easy to pronounce and remember, contributing to its widespread use and acceptance in Turkish society.
Greek: Yassou (Γειά σου)
Shutterstock
“Yassou” is an informal Greek greeting meaning “hello,” commonly used among friends, family, and peers. It conveys warmth and friendliness, reflecting the social and hospitable nature of Greek culture. In more formal settings, Greeks might use “Kalimera” (good morning) or “Kalispera” (good evening) to maintain respect and appropriateness. “Yassou” is widely recognized and appreciated for its casual and inviting tone in everyday interactions.
Dutch: Hallo
Shutterstock
“Hallo” is the Dutch equivalent of “hello,” used in both casual and formal contexts across the Netherlands and Belgium. It is a straightforward and friendly greeting that facilitates easy communication among Dutch speakers. The pronunciation of “Hallo” is similar to English, making it accessible for English speakers learning Dutch. “Hallo” is widely accepted and effective in establishing a positive and open atmosphere in various social settings.
Hebrew: Shalom (שלום)
Shutterstock
“Shalom” means “peace” and serves as both a greeting and a farewell in Hebrew-speaking communities. It is a respectful and meaningful way to acknowledge someone, embodying the desire for peace and well-being. “Shalom” is used in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide, reinforcing cultural and religious connections. Its dual purpose as “hello” and “goodbye” makes it a versatile and profound greeting in Hebrew.
Thai: Sawasdee (สวัสดี)
Shutterstock
“Sawasdee” is the standard Thai greeting used for both “hello” and “goodbye,” reflecting the Thai emphasis on politeness and respect. It is accompanied by the traditional “wai” gesture, where hands are pressed together in a prayer-like position and accompanied by a slight bow. To make “Sawasdee” more formal, males add “khrap” and females add “kha” at the end of the phrase. This greeting showcases Thai cultural values of respect, humility, and courteousness in social interactions.
Swedish: Hej
Shutterstock
“Hej” is the Swedish word for “hello,” used in both informal and formal situations across Sweden and Swedish-speaking communities. It is a simple and friendly greeting that is easy to pronounce for non-native speakers, facilitating effective communication. Swedes use “Hej” in everyday interactions, from casual meetings with friends to professional settings in the workplace. The greeting fosters a sense of openness and friendliness, aligning with Swedish cultural norms of equality and approachability.
Polish: Cześć
Shutterstock
“Cześć” is an informal Polish greeting equivalent to “hi” or “hello,” commonly used among friends, family, and peers. It conveys a casual and friendly atmosphere, making it suitable for relaxed social interactions. In more formal contexts, Poles might say “Dzień dobry” (good day) to show respect and politeness. “Cześć” is widely recognized and appreciated for its simplicity and warmth in everyday conversations.
Vietnamese: Xin chào
Shutterstock
“Xin chào” is the standard Vietnamese greeting meaning “hello,” widely used across Vietnam and in Vietnamese communities abroad. It is a polite and respectful way to acknowledge someone’s presence, suitable for both formal and informal settings. In Vietnam, greetings often include a slight bow or nod as a sign of respect, enhancing the meaning of “Xin chào.” The phrase is integral to Vietnamese social etiquette, facilitating positive and respectful interactions.
Indonesian: Halo
Shutterstock
“Halo” is the Indonesian equivalent of “hello,” used in both casual and formal contexts across Indonesia’s diverse cultures and languages. It is a straightforward and friendly greeting that is easily understood by Indonesians from various regions. In specific contexts, Indonesians may also use greetings like “Selamat pagi” (good morning) or “Selamat siang” (good afternoon) to convey more precise meanings based on the time of day. “Halo” is versatile and widely accepted, making it a convenient choice for everyday interactions.
Czech: Ahoj
Shutterstock
“Ahoj” is an informal Czech greeting similar to “hi” or “hello,” commonly used among friends, family, and peers. It conveys a casual and friendly tone, making it ideal for relaxed social settings and everyday conversations. For more formal situations, Czechs might say “Dobrý den” (good day) to maintain a level of respect and politeness. “Ahoj” is widely recognized and appreciated for its simplicity and warmth in Czech-speaking communities.
Finnish: Hei
Shutterstock
“Hei” is the Finnish word for “hello,” used in both informal and formal settings across Finland. It is a simple and versatile greeting that suits various social interactions, from casual meetings with friends to professional engagements. Finns may also use “Hyvää päivää” (good day) in more formal contexts to convey additional respect. “Hei” is widely recognized and easy to use, facilitating effective and friendly communication in Finnish society.
Portuguese (Brazil): Oi
Shutterstock
“Oi” is an informal Brazilian Portuguese greeting equivalent to “hi,” widely used in casual conversations among friends, family, and peers. It reflects the warm and approachable nature of Brazilian culture, making it a popular choice for everyday interactions. In more formal situations, Brazilians might use “Olá” or “Bom dia” (good morning) to convey respect and politeness. “Oi” is friendly and inviting, embodying the vibrant and hospitable spirit of Brazil.
Conclusion
Shutterstock
Whether you’re learning a new language, traveling the globe, or simply eager to connect with others, understanding how to say “hello” in different languages opens doors to meaningful interactions. These greetings are more than just words; they are gateways to appreciating diverse cultures and building respectful relationships. By incorporating these varied salutations into your daily interactions, you demonstrate curiosity and respect for the people you meet. Embracing these simple yet powerful greetings can enhance your communication skills and enrich your personal and professional life.
