Ways to say it
| Romanian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bună | [ˈbunə] (narrow) | |
| salut | /saˈlut/ | |
| noroc | [noˈrok] (narrow) | informal |
| bună ziua | [ˌbu.nə ˈzi.wa] (narrow) | formal |
| servus | /ˈser.vus/ /ˈse.rus/ |
These terms are used as interjections to greet people. salut is a casual way to say hi or hello and noroc can be used as an informal greeting or to say cheers when drinking.
What does it mean word for word?
The formal greeting bună ziua literally means 'good day'.
Which one should you use?
Bună is a shortened, informal version of bună ziua used primarily with friends or people of the same age. Salut is a common, informal way to say hi or hello among peers. Noroc literally means luck but serves as an informal greeting or a toast.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Bună ziua is a common formal way to say hello. In contrast, salut and bună are informal. Noroc is also used in an informal context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Servus is a greeting used specifically in certain regions of Romania, particularly in Transylvania, where it is influenced by Central European traditions.
When do people say it?
The formal Bună dimineața is used specifically to say 'good morning'.
Did you know?
- The word salut is a doublet of săruta, which means 'to kiss'. Both words share a common ancestor in the Latin word for health and salvation.
- The word bună is a feminine adjective because it describes the hidden nouns 'day' ziua or 'morning' dimineața, which are feminine in Romanian.
- When using the formal bună ziua, Romanians often accompany the phrase with a slight nod of the head to signal respect to elders or superiors.
Examples in context
- Am vrut să o salut.I wanted to say hello to her.This sentence shows how to use the verb form of the word salut.Tatoeba #9020182 by elenacristina260, translation #3907332 by CH
- Tom l-a salutat pe vecinul său.Tom said hello to his neighbor.This sentence shows a use of the verb form of the word salut.Tatoeba #12773076 by ridisegnandone, translation #8769999 by Hybrid
- Salutare tuturor! Cum vă merge vouă?Hello everyone! How's it going with you?This sentence demonstrates a use of the word salut in a greeting.Tatoeba #13930987 by Ioan_Cristian, translation #13930985 by Ioan_Cristian
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andreea and Alexandru meet in the hallway of their apartment building.
- AndreeaBună, Alexandru!Hello, Alexandru!
- AlexandruBună, Andreea. Ce mai faci?Hello, Andreea. How are you?
- AndreeaBine, mulțumesc. Tu?Fine, thank you. And you?
- AlexandruFoarte bine, mulțumesc.Very well, thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries bună, salut, noroc, bună ziua, servus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bună, bună ziua, noroc, salut, ziua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
