Welcome to this guide on how to say hello in Aranese, a regional language spoken in the Val d’Aran valley of Catalonia, Spain. Aranese, also known as Occitan or Gascon, has its own unique variations and expressions. Whether you’re a tourist planning to visit the Val d’Aran or simply curious about this beautiful language, we’ve got you covered with formal and informal greetings, as well as some interesting regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Greetings
When it comes to formal greetings, Aranese language uses respectful terms and phrases. Here are a few ways to say hello formally:
Bon dia – Good day
The expression “Bon dia” in Aranese is equivalent to “Good day” in English. It is a polite and respectful way to greet someone during the daytime. Remember to pronounce it as “bon dee-ah.”
Bona tarda – Good afternoon
If you’re greeting someone in the afternoon, use “Bona tarda.” This phrase is similar to saying “Good afternoon” and should be pronounced as “bona tard-ah.”
Bona sera – Good evening
When you meet someone in the evening, you can say “Bona sera” to wish them a good evening. Pronounce it as “bona ser-ah.”
Bona nueit – Good night
Before parting ways or wishing someone a good night, use the phrase “Bona nueit.” Remember to pronounce it as “bona noo-eh-ee.”
Informal Greetings
Informal greetings allow you to connect more casually with locals and friends. Let’s explore some informal ways to say hello in Aranese:
Hola – Hello
A simple and widely used informal greeting is “Hola,” just like in Spanish. Pronounce it as “oh-la” and use it with friends, family, or acquaintances.
Què tal? – How are you?
“Què tal?” is the Aranese equivalent of “How are you?” and is commonly used in informal settings. Pronounce it as “keh tal” and use it to initiate a friendly conversation.
Bon mati – Good morning
Similar to “Bon dia,” “Bon mati” is used to greet someone in the morning. It can be used informally with friends and acquaintances. Pronounce it as “bon ma-tee.”
Interesting Regional Variations
The Val d’Aran features some interesting regional variations of basic greetings. While these may not be essential, they can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the local culture. Here are a few:
Ola ke ase – Hello, how are you doing?
This variation blends Aranese with Spanish influences. It’s a playful and informal way to greet someone, and it translates to “Hello, how are you doing?” Pronounce it as “oh-la keh ah-seh.”
Diensh – Hi
Used informally between friends, “Diensh” is a casual way of saying “Hi.” Pronounce it as “deeyench” and use it to quickly and casually acknowledge someone’s presence.
Bon binat – Good day, or literally, “good going”
This is a unique regional expression that directly translates to “Good day” or “Good going.” It adds an extra touch of local flavor when greeting someone in the Val d’Aran. Pronounce it as “bon bee-naht.”
In Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to say hello in Aranese, both formally and informally. Remember, using a few basic greetings in the local language can go a long way in creating meaningful connections and showing respect for the local culture.
If you’re planning a trip to the Val d’Aran, the locals will appreciate your effort to learn and use their language. Embrace the warmth and charm that Aranese brings to your conversations, and don’t be afraid to try out these greetings with the friendly people you’ll meet along the way. Enjoy your journey through the beautiful Val d’Aran, and have a wonderful time getting to know this fascinating region of Catalonia, Spain!
