Salut
/sa.ly/
The English phrase 'hi there' can be translated into French as Salut.
Salut is a common informal greeting in French. There is also an even more affectionate and playful way to say hi there using Coucou.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English where 'hi' and 'bye' are distinct, Salut can be used for both hello and goodbye in informal settings. While Salut is informal, Bonjour is the standard, more polite way to say hello to strangers or in professional settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Salut is an informal greeting used primarily with friends, family or peers. For a more formal greeting in the evening or at night, you should use Bonsoir, which translates to 'good evening'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, an exclamation mark is frequently used after a standalone greeting like Salut to convey the energy of 'Hi there!'
Did you know?
- While coucou is a playful version of 'hi there', it is also the French name for the 'cuckoo' bird. The greeting mimics the repetitive sound the bird makes.
- The word Salut shares the same linguistic root as the English word 'salvation' and the Latin 'salus', which refers to 'health' or 'well-being'.
- In very informal settings, French speakers may shorten salut further or blend it into other sounds, but it is often accompanied by la bise, the custom of kissing on both cheeks.
Examples in context
- Salut !Hi there!Tatoeba #509819 by Aiji, translation #4606505 by hito
- Salut, ça roule ?Hi, how's it going?
- Salut les amishi friends
- Salut, ça va ?Hi there, how are you?
- Salut tout le monde !Hi there, everyone!
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas meet in a park.
- ChloéSalut, Lucas !Hi there, Lucas!
- LucasSalut, Chloé. Tu vas bien ?Hi there, Chloé. Are you doing well?
- ChloéOui, très bien, merci.Yes, very well, thank you.
- LucasSuper, je suis content de te voir.Great, I am happy to see you.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry salut.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries salut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
