salut
/sa.ly/informal
In French, the phrase 'hello' can be translated as salut. Wiktionary also lists coucou.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| salut | /sa.ly/ | informal |
| coucou | /ku.ku/ | informal |
The phrase is used as an informal greeting. While Bonjour is the standard and most widely used way to say 'hello' in French, and Bonsoir is used to greet someone after dark, salut serves as a common and versatile informal alternative. Additionally, salut can be used both as a greeting (hello) and a parting (bye) in informal settings.
Which one should you use?
salut is a standard informal greeting, whereas coucou is a more colloquial and casual way to say 'hello', typically used when addressing close friends, family members or children.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
salut is informal. coucou is even more casual and is considered colloquial.
How do you pronounce it?
/sa.ly/
Did you know?
- The greeting salut shares its linguistic roots with the English word 'salvation', as both derive from a root meaning 'whole' or 'healthy'.
- In France, it is common to accompany salut with la bise, a social custom of kissing both cheeks.
- In very casual settings, coucou is often used as a 'peek-a-boo' gesture when playing with babies.
Examples in context
- Salut à tous !Hello everyone!This sentence shows how to use salut when addressing a group.Tatoeba #10625667 by felix63, translation #854117 by piksea
- Salut ma belle !Hello, beautiful!This sentence uses salut in a friendly greeting.Tatoeba #594147 by sacredceltic, translation #1265548 by Jefepeters
- Salut mon vieux !Hello, old friend!This sentence uses salut when greeting an old friend.Tatoeba #1551225 by sacredceltic, translation #1549913 by miflhanc
- 66 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas meet at a cafe.
- ManonSalut Lucas !Hi Lucas!
- LucasSalut Manon, ça va ?Hi Manon, how are you?
- ManonÇa va bien, merci.I'm doing well, thanks.
- LucasSuper, on commande ?Great, shall we order?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries salut, coucou, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries coucou, salut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
