salvē
singular
Hello in Latin can be expressed as salvē or avē. Wiktionary also lists salvēte and avēte.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Latin | Note |
|---|---|
| salvē | singular |
| salvēte | plural |
| avē | singular |
| avēte | plural |
These words are used as greetings.
What does it mean word for word?
The word salvē is a singular imperative form of the verb salvēre, which literally means 'be well' or 'be healthy'.
Which one should you use?
Use salvē for a common greeting when addressing one person, and salvēte when addressing a group. Alternatively, avē can be used as a more formal or emphatic greeting, often translated as 'hail', with its plural form being avēte to hail a group of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form salvēte is the plural version used when greeting more than one person, while avēte is the plural form used to hail a group.
Did you know?
- The greeting salvē shares the same root as the English word 'salvation'. Both come from the Latin salvus, meaning 'safe' or 'healthy'.
- In later ecclesiastical Latin, the phrase avē became the standard opening for prayers to the Virgin Mary, such as the avē Maria.
- The greeting avē is historically significant as it was the standard way to hail an emperor or a person of high status in the Roman Empire.
Examples in context
- salvēHello.This example shows the use of salvē.Tatoeba #13695498 by Andreas, translation #1858850 by LanguageExpert
- Avē, munde!Hello, world!This example shows the use of avē.Tatoeba #398754 by lipao, translation #398746 by AlanF_US
- Salvē, pater.Hello, father.Tatoeba #10514565 by Akenaseryan, translation #8783284 by jimkillock
- Salve, Domine Johnson. Gratias ago tibi pro opportunitateHello, Mr. Johnson. Thank you for the opportunity
- Ave, magister Thomas. Spero te bene valereHello, Professor Thomas. I hope you are well
- Salve, amice! Quomodo vales hodie?Hello, friend! How are you today?
- Salvete, omnes! Gaudium est videre vosHello, everyone! It's a joy to see you all
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aurelia meets Quintus on a street in Rome.
- AureliaSalvē, Quinte!Hello, Quintus!
- QuintusSalvē, Aurelia.Hello, Aurelia.
- AureliaQuōmodo valēs?How are you?
- QuintusBene valeō, grātiās.I am well, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
