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/ |
In Romanian, greetings range from casual English-style 'hi' to formal 'good day' expressions. Salut is a very common informal way to say 'hi' or 'hello'. Bună is also a casual 'hi' or 'hey'. For time-specific formal greetings, you can use bună dimineața for 'good morning', bună ziua for 'good day' or 'good afternoon' and bună seara for 'good evening'. In casual settings, particularly among younger people, you might also hear ce faci?, which literally means 'how are you?'
What does it mean word for word?
The formal phrase bună ziua literally means 'good day'.
Which one should you use?
While bună serves as a casual 'hello', bună ziua is the standard polite greeting used during daylight hours. Salut is a common informal greeting, whereas noroc is an informal way to say 'good luck' or to say 'cheers' when making a toast.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, use bună ziua, bună dimineața or bună seara. For informal situations, use salut, bună or noroc.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Transylvania region, locals may use the informal greeting servus.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word bună is the feminine form of 'good' and is used as a casual greeting primarily with women or in general informal settings. The term salutare is a slightly more stylized or emphatic version of salut used to say 'greetings'.
Did you know?
- The word noroc comes from an Old Church Slavonic word meaning 'sentence' or 'fate'.
- In the Transylvania region, you may hear servus, a greeting borrowed from Latin that is more common in areas with a history of Austro-Hungarian influence.
Examples in context
- Am vrut să o salut.I wanted to say hello to her.This sentence shows the use of the verb form of salut to say hello to someone.Tatoeba #9020182 by elenacristina260, translation #3907332 by CH
- Tom l-a salutat pe vecinul său.Tom said hello to his neighbor.This sentence uses the verb form of salut to describe greeting a neighbor.Tatoeba #12773076 by ridisegnandone, translation #8769999 by Hybrid
- Salutare tuturor! Cum vă merge vouă?Hello everyone! How's it going with you?This sentence uses a stylized version of salut to say greetings to a group.Tatoeba #13930987 by Ioan_Cristian, translation #13930985 by Ioan_Cristian
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena sees Gabriel at a local cafe.
- ElenaBună, Gabriel!Hello, Gabriel!
- GabrielBună, Elena! Ce mai faci?Hello, Elena! How are you?
- ElenaSunt bine, mulțumesc.I am well, thank you.
- GabrielMă bucur să te văd.I am glad to see 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.
