salutare
/sa.luˈta.re/
The Italian phrase for "say hello" is salutare.
salutare is a verb that means to greet someone or to say hello. It can also be used to mean to say goodbye or to take one's leave.
How does it change in a sentence?
salutare is an infinitive verb meaning "to greet". When you want to say "I greet" or "I say hello", you use the first-person singular present indicative form saluto. The verb is transitive, meaning it is typically followed directly by the person being greeted without a preposition, such as in the phrase salutare qualcuno (to greet someone). Additionally, the plural noun saluti can be used to mean "greetings" or "best regards" in correspondence.
How do you pronounce it?
salutare is pronounced /sa.luˈta.re/ with four syllables and the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italy, salutare is also used as a euphemism for dying, as in the phrase salutare il mondo, meaning 'to say goodbye to the world'.
- In many Italian social contexts, the act of salutare is often accompanied by a physical gesture, like a kiss on both cheeks or a handshake, which is considered part of the greeting itself.
- The word salutare is part of a linguistic family that includes the word 'salvation', as both trace back to the idea of being 'safe' or 'healthy'.
Examples in context
- Devi salutare i tuoi nonni.You must say hello to your grandparents.
- È educato salutare quando si entra.It is polite to say hello when entering.
- Voglio solo salutare la nuova vicina.I just want to say hello to the new neighbor.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are at a social gathering.
- AlessandroSofia, vorrei salutare il proprietario.Sofia, I would like to say hello to the owner.
- SofiaCerto, è un uomo molto gentile.Of course, he is a very kind man.
- AlessandroVado subito a salutare.I am going to say hello right now.
- SofiaVa bene, a dopo!Okay, see you later!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry salutare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
