Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say hello in High Valyrian! Whether you’re a fan of the “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series or the “Game of Thrones” television series, learning to greet someone in High Valyrian can be a fun way to embrace your love for the series and impress fellow fans. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to say hello in High Valyrian, and provide you with tips, examples, and regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Greetings
In High Valyrian, formal greetings are commonly used in official settings, when addressing individuals of higher social status, or during ceremonial occasions. These expressions convey respect and politeness. Let’s dive into some formal ways to say hello:
1. Drējagon
Example: Drējagon! (Hello!)
Tips: When using this formal greeting, it’s important to maintain an upright posture, make eye contact, and speak clearly. It is considered respectful to slightly bow your head while saying “Drējagon.”
2. Aōhe jevi jagon
Example: Aōhe jevi jagon. (Greetings to you.)
Tips: This formal greeting is typically used to show respect to a person of higher authority or status. It can be accompanied by a formal hand gesture, such as placing your right hand on your heart while saying the phrase.
Informal Greetings
Informal greetings in High Valyrian are used among friends, family, and individuals of the same social or professional circle. Although less formal, they still maintain a friendly and warm tone. Let’s explore some common ways to say hello informally:
1. Hen Tegon
Example: Hen Tegon! (Hi!)
Tips: When using this informal greeting, feel free to use a relaxed tone and maintain a friendly smile. It is often used when meeting friends or acquaintances in a casual setting.
2. Jonābāri
Example: Jonābāri! (Hey!)
Tips: This informal greeting can be used among peers or when addressing someone you are familiar with. It reflects a casual and friendly approach, and is often accompanied by a wave or a pat on the back.
Regional Variations
In High Valyrian, regional variations differ across the vast expanse of the fictional world. Though not frequently mentioned, it’s worth exploring a few regional variations of greetings:
1. Braavos Variation
The Braavos variation of High Valyrian is heavily influenced by their trading culture. A common greeting in Braavos is “Mōrir drējagon,” which means “Good day” or “Have a good day” in English.
2. Meereen Variation
In Meereen, a city known for its pyramid architecture and cultural diversity, the High Valyrian greeting “Rhuqo valon” is often used. It means “Peace be with you” and reflects the desire for harmony and respect.
Note: High Valyrian regional variations are not extensively documented, and these examples are derived from the limited information available from the works of George R.R. Martin.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive understanding of how to say hello in High Valyrian. Remember the differences between formal and informal greetings, and feel free to utilize regional variations if you wish. High Valyrian greetings can be a wonderful tool to connect with fellow fans, impress friends, and bring a touch of the “A Song of Ice and Fire” universe into your daily life. Practice your pronunciation, have fun, and enjoy exploring the many rich aspects of the language!
