saludar
/saluˈdaɾ/
To greet in Spanish is saludar.
The verb saludar means to meet and give salutations. While you use the verb to describe the action of greeting, the noun form for a greeting is saludo.
Meaning: intransitive: to meet and give salutations (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are greeting a person, the verb saludar requires the personal 'a' before the object, as in saludar a (to greet someone).
How do you pronounce it?
/saluˈdaɾ/
Did you know?
- The root of saludar is linked to the concept of 'health' or 'salutary' in English, as both stem from the Latin word for 'health' or 'well-being'.
- In some formal Spanish contexts, failing to saludar upon entering a room is considered a significant social breach, regardless of whether you know the people present.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saludar often involves a physical gesture like dos besos (two kisses) on the cheeks, even between people meeting for the first time.
Examples in context
- No puedo saludar a Tania en esloveno. No conozco esta lengua.I cannot greet Tania in Slovene. I don't know this language.This sentence shows how to use saludar when you do not know a specific language.Tatoeba #1683607 by marcelostockle, translation #1682473 by Amastan
- ¿Los empleados olvidaron saludar al jefe?Did the employees forget to greet the boss?This sentence uses saludar to describe employees greeting a boss.Tatoeba #7637273 by mervert1, translation #7637265 by mervert1
- Quiero poder saludar a todos en su idioma nativo.I want to be able to greet everyone in their native language.This sentence uses saludar to express a desire to greet everyone in their native language.Tatoeba #12026730 by DJ_Saidez, translation #10253465 by DJ_Saidez
- Buenos días, señor. ¿Cómo está usted hoy?Good morning, sir. How are you today?
- Buenas tardes, señora. ¿En qué puedo ayudarle?Good afternoon, ma'am. How can I assist you?
- Buenas noches, profesor. ¿Tiene usted un momento para hablar?Good evening, professor. Do you have a moment to talk?
- Encantada de conocerle, señora García. Soy Marta, la nueva colaboradora.Pleased to meet you, Mrs. García. I'm Marta, the new colleague.
- ¿Cómo está usted, señor López? Espero que esté muy bien.How are you, Mr. López? I hope you're doing well.
- ¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?Hello! How are you?
- ¡Hola Juan! ¿Qué tal? Hace mucho que no nos vemos.Hey Juan! What's up? Long time no see.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are walking into a social gathering.
- MaríaDebemos saludar a los invitados al llegar.We should greet the guests upon arrival.
- AlejandroTienes razón, María. Voy a saludar a tu hermano.You are right, María. I am going to greet your brother.
- María¿Vas a saludar a todos?Are you going to greet everyone?
- AlejandroSí, es importante saludar a la familia.Yes, it is important to greet the family.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “greet” translations and entries saludar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
