Greeting someone in their native language is a wonderful way to show respect and build connections. Learning how to say “hello” in different countries not only helps you break the ice but also communicates your interest in their culture. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore formal and informal ways of saying hello in various countries. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
1. Europe:
1.1 France
Formal: Bonjour (bohn-zhoor)
Informal: Salut (sah-loo)
1.2 Germany
Formal: Guten Tag (goo-ten tahk)
Informal: Hallo (hah-loh)
1.3 Italy
Formal: Buongiorno (bwon jor-no)
Informal: Ciao (chow)
1.4 Spain
Formal: Buenos días (bway-nos dee-as)
Informal: Hola (oh-la)
2. Asia:
2.1 China
Formal: Nǐ hǎo (nee haow)
Informal: Yā’ō (yow)
2.2 India
Formal: Namaste (Nah-mah-stay)
Informal: Hālo (ha-loh)
2.3 Japan
Formal: Konnichiwa (kon-nee-chee-wah)
Informal: Yā (yah)
2.4 South Korea
Formal: Annyeonghaseyo (ahn-nyuhng-hah-se-yo)
Informal: Annyeong (ahn-nyuhng)
3. Americas:
3.1 United States
Formal: Hello (heh-loh)
Informal: Hi (hi)
3.2 Brazil
Formal: Olá (oh-la)
Informal: Oi (oy)
3.3 Canada (English)
Formal: Good day (goo-d day)
Informal: Hey (hey)
3.4 Mexico
Formal: Buenos días (bway-nos dee-as)
Informal: Hola (oh-la)
4. Africa:
4.1 South Africa
Formal: Sanibonani (sah-knee-bo-nah-nee)
Informal: Hallo (hah-loh)
4.2 Egypt
Formal: As-salamu alaykum (ass-sah-lah-moo ah-lay-koom)
Informal: Ahlan (ah-lan)
4.3 Nigeria
Formal: E kárò (eh-kah-roh)
Informal: Pẹlẹ (pay-lay)
4.4 Kenya
Formal: Habari (hah-bah-ree)
Informal: Sasa (sah-sah)
5. Oceania:
5.1 Australia
Formal and Informal: G’day (gee-day)
5.2 New Zealand
Formal and Informal: Kia ora (kee-ah or-ah)
Remember, culture and context can influence how greetings are perceived. Now that you have a basic understanding of greetings from around the world, keep in mind that practicing pronunciation is essential for effective communication. So go ahead, confidently greet people from different countries with a warm smile and the appropriate “hello” in their language!
“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” – Rita Mae Brown
