Salut
/sa.ly/
In French, goodbye casually is expressed as Salut.
Salut is a versatile term that works as both a greeting and a farewell.
Which one should you use?
While Salut is used strictly for casual situations, Au revoir is the standard and more formal way to say goodbye. Salut can be used for both 'hi' and 'bye' in informal settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Salut is an informal term and should not be used with superiors or strangers in formal settings. In contrast, Adieu carries a slightly more formal and solemn tone, akin to farewell in English.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Salut is commonly used as a casual goodbye among friends. In the French-speaking regions of Belgium, the informal goodbye Ciao is used.
Did you know?
- In a religious context, salut translates to 'salvation', meaning the deliverance of the soul from sin.
- French speakers often accompany a casual salut with a 'la bise', which involves kissing both cheeks of the other person.
- A salut can also refer to a formal military salute performed with the hand to the head.
Examples in context
- Salut !Bye!
- Salut, à demain.Bye, see you tomorrow.
- Allez, salut !Anyway, bye!
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are leaving a coffee shop after chatting.
- GabrielJe dois y aller, salut Chloé.I have to go, bye Chloé.
- ChloéD'accord, salut Gabriel !Okay, bye Gabriel!
- GabrielOn se voit bientôt.See you soon.
- ChloéOui, à bientôt !Yes, see you soon!
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry salut.
