salutations
/sa.ly.ta.sjɔ̃/
The English phrase salutations is translated into French as salutations.
While it means salutations, in French this word is rarely used as a spoken greeting in person. It is primarily a written form used in letters or emails.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word salutations is a formal written closing in correspondence, similar to 'Greetings' or 'Best regards' in English. For spoken greetings, you might use the formal Bonjour (hello or good day) or Bonsoir (good evening) or the informal Salut (hi or hello) and the affectionate Coucou (hello).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /sa.ly.ta.sjɔ̃/. It has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word is related to the Latin 'salus', which refers to 'health' or 'safety', meaning that when you offer 'salutations', you are etymologically wishing someone well-being.
- In formal French correspondence, you will often see the phrase Veuillez agréer mes salutations distinguées, which is far more elaborate than the English 'Sincerely'.
- French has specific 'themed' salutations for different guilds, such as salutations confraternelles used between members of the same profession.
Examples in context
- Recevez mes plus cordiales salutations.Please accept my warmest salutations.
- Je vous adresse mes sincères salutations.I send you my sincere salutations.
Example conversation
Emma is writing a formal email to Gabriel.
- EmmaMonsieur Gabriel, mes salutations.Mr. Gabriel, my greetings.
- GabrielBonjour Emma, comment allez-vous ?Hello Emma, how are you?
- EmmaJe vais bien, merci beaucoup.I am doing well, thank you very much.
- GabrielC'est un plaisir de vous lire.It is a pleasure to read your message.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry salutations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
