salve
[ˈsaɫ.weː]
In Latin, 'hi' is expressed by the greeting salve. Wiktionary also lists ave.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| salve | [ˈsaɫ.weː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsal.ve] (narrow) |
| ave | [ˈha.weː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈha.wɛ] (Classical Latin, narrow) |
The primary way to say a friendly and informal 'hi' is to use the word salve.
Which one should you use?
The word salve is used when addressing a single person, whereas salvete is used when greeting a group of people. While salve is a friendly greeting, the form ave is used to say 'hail' and carries a sense of reverence.
How does it change in a sentence?
salve and ave are singular forms used for one person. Use the form salvete when addressing more than one person.
Did you know?
- The greeting ave was probably borrowed from Punic, the language of ancient Carthage.
- The word salve shares the same root as the English word 'salvation' and the Italian 'salute'.
Examples in context
- Salve! Quo ire vis?Hi! Where do you want to go?This sentence shows how to use salve in a question.Tatoeba #1358681 by alexmarcelo, translation #761157 by Zifre
- Salvete, ego sum Mike.Hi guys, I'm Mike.This sentence demonstrates using salvete to greet multiple people.Tatoeba #1020886 by alexmarcelo, translation #1020895 by CP
- Salve, Mimi! Ut vales?Hi, Mimi! How are you doing?This sentence shows a friendly way to use salve when greeting someone by name.Tatoeba #1066277 by alexmarcelo, translation #54601 by Zifre
- Salvete, illustres hospites!Welcome, distinguished guests!
- Salve, amice!Hi, friend!
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Quintus approaches Aurelia in a garden.
- AureliaSalve, Quinte!Hi, Quintus!
- QuintusSalve, Aurelia!Hi, Aurelia!
- AureliaQuid agis hodie?How are you doing today?
- QuintusBene valeo, gratias.I am well, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hi” translations and entries salve, ave, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ave, salve, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
