salut mec
The English phrase "hello man" is translated into French as salut mec.
salut mec is an informal greeting used when speaking to a male friend or someone roughly your age, similar to saying "Hi, dude" in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of salut, which means "hi" or "bye" and mec, meaning "guy" or "dude".
Which one should you use?
While salut can mean both "hi" and "bye", in this specific phrase, it functions as a greeting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
salut mec is highly informal and should only be used with friends or peers of the same age. For a more formal setting, you would use Bonjour, Monsieur to say "Hello, sir". In informal settings, you might also use Salut, mon pote to say "Hi, buddy" or Salut les gars to say "Hi, guys".
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Salut mec, ça va ?Hello man, how are you?
- Salut mec, tu viens avec nous ?Hello man, are you coming with us?
- Salut mec, bien joué pour hier !Hello man, well done for yesterday!
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma meet at a cafe.
- GabrielSalut mec, tu es en retard !Hello man, you are late!
- EmmaDésolée, il y avait des bouchons.Sorry, there was traffic.
- GabrielCe n'est pas grave.It doesn't matter.
- EmmaOn commande quelque chose ?Shall we order something?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mec, salut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
