ave
[ˈha.weː]
The English phrase "hello and goodbye" is translated into Latin as ave.
The term is a greeting used to say hello or goodbye to someone. The specific phrase salve atque vale means "hello and goodbye".
What does it mean word for word?
The word ave literally means "hail" or "be well".
Which one should you use?
If you wish to say goodbye specifically, you may use Vale. For multiple people, the plural form valete is used to bid farewell.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Vulgar Latin, the greeting salve could be replaced with ave.
Did you know?
- Although it is a common Latin greeting, the word ave has its distant roots in Punic, a language once spoken in North Africa.
- The phrase ave is most famously used in the 'Ave Maria' prayer, where it functions as a formal salutation to the Virgin Mary.
Examples in context
- Salve, domina.Hello, ma'am.
- Vale, domine.Goodbye, sir.
- Vale, domina.Goodbye, ma'am.
- Vale!Bye!
- Valete, amici!Goodbye, friends!
- Ave, amice!Hello, friend!
- Ave, domina.Hello, lady.
Example conversation
Julia and Quintus meet on a street in Rome.
- JuliaAve, Quinte!Hello, Quintus!
- QuintusAve, Julia. Quomodo vales?Hello, Julia. How are you?
- JuliaBene valeo. Vale, amice!I am well. Goodbye, friend!
- QuintusVale, Julia.Goodbye, Julia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ave, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ave, CC BY-SA 4.0.
