salut salut
The English phrase "hi hi" can be expressed in French as salut salut.
This expression is used as an informal and friendly greeting to say hello. Coucou is an affectionate and friendly way to greet someone among friends and family. Other variations include the versatile informal greeting Salut, which is similar to the English "hi" or "hey" and the colloquial Salut les potes, used as an informal greeting among close friends or a younger crowd.
Did you know?
- While salut salut is a friendly greeting, the single word salut also functions as a way to say 'bye' in informal settings. This means you can use the exact same word to both enter and leave a room.
- In French, salut can also mean 'salvation' or 'safety' in a religious or existential context. The same word used for a casual 'hi' describes the saving of one's soul.
- The greeting salut shares its linguistic DNA with the English word 'salute', as both originate from the Latin word for 'health' or 'safety'.
Examples in context
- Bonjour bonjour, comment allez-vous aujourd'hui?Hello hello, how are you today?
- Coucou coucou, ça fait longtemps qu'on ne s'est pas vus!Hi hi, it's been a long time since we last saw each other!
- Salut salut, ça va?Hey hey, how's it going?
- Salut les potes, vous êtes prêts pour ce soir?Hi pals, are you ready for tonight?
- Salut salut, tout le monde !Hi hi, everyone!
- Elle m'a dit : « Salut salut ! »She said to me, "Hi hi!"
- Salut salut, comment ça va ?Hi hi, how are you?
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé meet at a cafe.
- HugoSalut salut, Chloé !Hi hi, Chloé!
- ChloéSalut Hugo ! Tu vas bien ?Hi Hugo! Are you doing well?
- HugoOui, ça va super, merci.Yes, I'm doing great, thanks.
- ChloéTant mieux alors !That's great then!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries salut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
