Welcome is a universal word that transcends borders and languages, creating an inviting and friendly atmosphere. Knowing how to say “welcome” in different languages can be incredibly helpful when you meet people from diverse backgrounds or travel to foreign countries. In this guide, we will explore how to say “welcome” in various foreign languages, both formally and informally. Let’s embark on a linguistic journey together!
Table of Contents
1. European Languages
1.1 French
Formal: Bienvenue
Informal: Bienvenu(e)
Example: “Bienvenue chez moi!” (Welcome to my place!)
1.2 German
Formal: Willkommen
Informal: Herzlich willkommen
Example: “Herzlich willkommen in Deutschland!” (Warm welcome to Germany!)
1.3 Spanish
Formal: Bienvenidos / Bienvenidas (masculine/feminine plural)
Informal: Bienvenido(a)
Example: “Bienvenidos a la fiesta!” (Welcome to the party!)
1.4 Italian
Formal: Benvenuti / Benvenute (masculine/feminine plural)
Informal: Benvenuto(a)
Example: “Benvenuti nella nostra casa!” (Welcome to our home!)
2. Asian Languages
2.1 Japanese
Formal: ようこそ (yōkoso)
Informal: いらっしゃい (irasshai)
Example: “いらっしゃいませ!” (Welcome! – Commonly used in shops and restaurants)
2.2 Chinese (Mandarin)
Formal: 欢迎 (huānyíng)
Informal: 欢迎光临 (huānyíng guānglín)
Example: “欢迎你来我家做客!” (Welcome to my home!)
2.3 Korean
Formal: 환영합니다 (hwanyeong-hamnida)
Informal: 환영해요 (hwanyeonghaeyo)
Example: “우리 집에 환영합니다!” (Welcome to our house!)
3. African Languages
3.1 Swahili
Formal and Informal: Karibu
Example: “Karibu kwenye chakula cha jioni!” (Welcome to the dinner!)
3.2 Afrikaans
Formal and Informal: Welkom
Example: “Welkom by ons familie!” (Welcome to our family!)
4. Middle Eastern Languages
4.1 Arabic
Formal: أهلا و سهلا (ahlan wa sahlan)
Informal: مرحبا (marhaba)
Example: “أهلا و سهلا بك في منزلي!” (Welcome to my home!)
4.2 Hebrew
Formal and Informal: ברוך הבא (Barukh haba)
Example: “ברוך הבא לישראל!” (Welcome to Israel!)
5. Oceanic Languages
5.1 Maori
Formal and Informal: Nau mai
Example: “Nau mai ki to tatou kāinga!” (Welcome to our home!)
5.2 Hawaiian
Formal and Informal: Aloha mai
Example: “Aloha mai i ko kakou hale!” (Welcome to our house!)
Remember, learning these phrases is a small step towards building connections and embracing cultural diversity. Practice pronouncing them correctly and use them with respect and sincerity. A warm welcome can bridge gaps and make a lasting impression. Welcome, bon voyage, and safe travels on your exciting linguistic journey!
