salut les amis
The English phrase "hi friends" is translated into French as salut les amis.
salut les amis is an informal greeting used to address a group of friends.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of salut (hi/bye), the definite article les (the) and amis (friends).
Which one should you use?
While salut les amis is informal, bonjour à tous is a more neutral or formal way to greet a group.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word salut is an informal way to say both "hi" and "bye". For a formal way to say "hello, dear friends", you can use Bonjour, chers amis. In very informal settings, you might also hear Salut les potes (hi pals!), Coucou les amis (hey friends!) or Salut, les copains (hi buddies!).
How does it change in a sentence?
If the group of friends consists entirely of women, you can use the feminine form salut les amies.
Did you know?
- In French, the word copain in salut les copains literally means 'bread companion'. It comes from com (with) and pain (bread).
- The word salut shares a root with the English word 'salute'. Both originate from a Latin word meaning 'health' or 'wellness'.
- The singular form of salut, when used as a noun rather than an interjection, refers to 'salvation' or 'safety', which is a much heavier concept than a simple 'hi'.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, chers amis, merci d'être venus.Hello, dear friends, thank you for coming.
- Salut les potes, ça roule?Hi pals, how's it going?
- Coucou les amis, vous êtes prêts pour la soirée?Hey friends, are you ready for the party?
- Salut, les copains, ça fait longtemps qu'on ne s'est pas vus!Hi buddies, long time no see!
- Salut les amis, ça va ?Hi friends, how are you?
- Salut les amis, vous êtes prêts ?Hi friends, are you ready?
Example conversation
Gabriel enters a cafe where Léa and her other friends are waiting.
- GabrielSalut les amis !Hi friends!
- LéaSalut Gabriel, tu es en retard.Hi Gabriel, you are late.
- GabrielDésolé, il y avait beaucoup de trafic.Sorry, there was a lot of traffic.
- LéaPas de problème, assieds-toi.No problem, sit down.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries les, salut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
