salvete
[saɫˈweː.tɛ]
The Latin phrase salvete is used to say hello to a group of people.
salvete is a greeting used to welcome or say hello to a group of people. A common formal way to use this is in the phrase Salvete omnes, which means "hello everyone" or "welcome all".
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on how many people you are addressing. Use the singular form salve when speaking to one person, and use the plural form salvete when addressing two or more people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of this greeting is salve.
Did you know?
- While salvete is a friendly greeting, the root word is also the basis for the English word 'salvation'. To save someone in Latin was closely linked to restoring their health.
- The root of salvete is shared with the English word 'salute', which originally described a wish for health rather than a military gesture.
- The word salvete is in the imperative mood, meaning it is technically a command. You are not just saying hello but commanding the group to 'be well'.
Examples in context
- Salvete, discipuli! Hodiē de verbis Latinis loquemur.Hello, students! Today we will talk about Latin words.
- Salvete, omnes!Hello, everyone!
- Salvete, amici mei.Hello, my friends.
- Salvete ad convivium.Welcome to the banquet.
Example conversation
Lucius greets Aurelia and her friends.
- LuciusSalvete, puellae!Hello, girls!
- AureliaSalve, Luci!Hello, Lucius!
- LuciusQuomodo valetis?How are you all doing?
- AureliaBene valemus.We are doing well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry salvete, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
