salut maman et papa
The English phrase "hi mom and dad" is translated into French as salut maman et papa.
This phrase is an informal greeting used when speaking to one's parents. It relies on the word salut, which is an informal way to say "hi" or "bye" in French.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of salut (hi/hello), maman (mom), et (and) and papa (dad).
Which one should you use?
While salut maman et papa is informal, you could use bonjour maman et papa to use a more standard and slightly more polite way to say "hello" to one's parents.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form salut maman et papa is informal. For a more endearing and casual way to say "Hi", you can use Coucou, Maman et Papa. For a colloquial and humorous way to say "Hi, old folks" to your parents, you can use Salut, les vieux.
Did you know?
- The word coucou, used for an endearing greeting to parents, mimics the sound of a cuckoo bird used to get someone's attention.
- The greeting salut shares a common ancestor with the English word 'whole'. It stems from the Latin 'salus', meaning 'health' or 'well-being', essentially wishing someone a 'whole' or 'healthy' state.
- In France, it is common for adult children to continue using the baby-talk terms maman and papa long after childhood.
Examples in context
- Salut maman et papa, ça va ?Hi mom and dad, how are you?
- Je dis simplement : salut maman et papa.I just say: hi mom and dad.
Example conversation
Gabriel arrives home from school and sees his parents.
- GabrielSalut maman et papa !Hi mom and dad!
- ChloéSalut Gabriel, comment s'est passée ta journée ?Hi Gabriel, how was your day?
- GabrielC'était super, merci !It was great, thanks!
- ChloéOn est contents de t'entendre.We are happy to hear that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries et, maman, papa, salut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
