Salut
informal
The casual way to say "hi" in French is Salut. Coucou is even more relaxed and playful, and Ça va? asks how you are.
Meaning: informal greeting (interjection)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Salut | informal |
| ça va? | informal |
| coucou | very casual |
Use Salut with friends, classmates and family. Coucou is common in messages and between close people. Use Bonjour with people you do not know.
Which one should you use?
Salut is for both hello and goodbye. Coucou is only a hello.
How do you pronounce it?
Salut sounds like "sa-LU" with the French u. Coucou sounds like "koo-KOO".
Did you know?
- The word coucou is also the French name of the cuckoo bird.
Examples in context
- Salut, ça va?Hi, how are you?
- Coucou, c'est moi!Hi, it's me!
- Salut, tout le monde!Hi, everyone!
Example conversation
Emma meets her friend Lucas outside the university in Lyon.
- EmmaSalut, Lucas!Hi, Lucas!
- LucasCoucou, Emma! Ça va?Hi, Emma! How are you?
- EmmaÇa va, et toi?Fine, and you?
