Salut
/sa.ly/
In French, the phrase for bye casually is Salut.
Salut is a common way to say goodbye casually and is equivalent to both hi and bye in English. Depending on the context of your encounter, it can mean either greeting someone or leaving them. Other casual ways to say goodbye include À plus tard, which means see you later and Ciao, which is also used by the French as a casual goodbye.
Which one should you use?
Salut can mean both 'hi' and 'bye' depending on the context, whereas Au revoir is the standard, more formal way to say goodbye.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Salut is informal. For a more formal setting, you should use Au revoir. Among younger generations in France, the casual variation Tchao is also popular.
Did you know?
- The word Salut is actually a linguistic relative of the English word 'salvation', as both derive from the idea of being 'whole' or 'safe'.
- In many French-speaking cultures, the physical gesture of a 'bise', or cheek kiss, is often accompanied by a casual Salut.
- While Salut is a native French word, the casual 'bye' Ciao used in France is actually an import from Italian.
Examples in context
- Salut, à demain !Bye, see you tomorrow!
- Salut, je dois partir.Bye, I have to go.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are leaving a cafe together.
- NathanSalut, Manon !Bye, Manon!
- ManonSalut, Nathan. À bientôt.Bye, Nathan. See you soon.
- NathanOui, à plus tard !Yes, see you later!
- ManonBonne soirée !Have a good evening!
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry salut.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries salut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
