salut les amis
The French phrase for "hi to friends" is salut les amis.
salut les amis is a warm and informal way to greet a group of friends. While the word salut on its own can mean both "hi" and "bye", in this specific phrase, it functions as a greeting. Other common greetings include Bonsoir for "good evening" when meeting friends in the evening, and Comment ça va ? to ask "how are you?" You might also use the playful and friendly greeting Coucou to say "hey" or "hiya" to close friends.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of salut (hi/bye), les (the) and amis (friends).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
salut les amis is an informal expression. The word salut is an informal greeting and should not be used in formal or professional settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Belgian French, it is common to say Allô instead of Salut when answering a phone call among friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the group of friends consists entirely of women, you should use the feminine form salut les amies instead of salut les amis.
Did you know?
- While salut is used for friends, the word salut also means 'salvation' in a religious context. In a church, it refers to the saving of a soul from sin.
- When greeting friends, some French speakers use salut accompanied by la bise, a cultural custom of kissing both cheeks.
- The word salut shares the same root as the English word 'salute'. Both come from the Latin word for health and safety, reflecting a time when greetings were wishes for the other person's wellbeing.
Examples in context
- Il a crié : salut les amis !He shouted: hi friends!
Example conversation
Nathan walks into a small café where Léa is sitting with her group.
- NathanSalut les amis !Hi friends!
- LéaOh, salut Nathan ! Tu arrives enfin.Oh, hi Nathan! You finally arrived.
- NathanDésolé, j'ai eu un peu de retard.Sorry, I was a little late.
- LéaPas de problème, assieds-toi avec nous.No problem, sit down with us.
