How to say 'Hello' in different languages

Saying hello is the simplest way to start a conversation. Every language has different ways to greet someone, and many greetings carry deeper meanings than just "hello." Some are formal, while others are casual. Let’s explore how people greet each other in different languages and what these greetings really mean.

Arabic

Spoken across many countries, Arabic has distinct greetings depending on formality. Informally, you can say “Salam", which is a shortened version of the full greeting and translates to "peace." In more formal settings, “As-salamu alaykum" is used, meaning "peace be upon you." This greeting is commonly heard in Arabic-speaking communities and is often met with the response “Wa alaykum as-salam" ("And peace be upon you too").

Australian English

In Australia, an informal and uniquely Australian way to say hello is “G’day", short for "Good day." It reflects the laid-back nature of Australian culture and is often followed by “mate" when addressing friends or acquaintances. In formal situations, Australians typically use “Hello", just as in standard British English.

Chinese (Mandarin)

In Mandarin, the most common way to say hello is “Nǐ hǎo" (你好), which means "you good." Unlike some languages, Mandarin does not have separate words for informal and formal greetings in everyday speech, but you might hear a more polite version like “Nín hǎo" (您好) in very respectful contexts, such as addressing elders or superiors.

Cornish

Cornish, a revived Celtic language spoken in Cornwall, uses “Dydh da" for both informal and formal greetings. It translates to "Good day" and is part of the efforts to keep the Cornish language alive. Although not widely spoken, it remains an important part of Cornwall’s cultural heritage.

Danish

In Denmark, a casual greeting is “Hej", which sounds like the English "Hi" and is commonly used among friends, family, and colleagues. For more formal situations, Danes say “God dag", which means "Good day." However, modern Danish tends to favour informal greetings in most situations.

Dutch

In the Netherlands, an informal way to greet someone is “Hallo", which is similar to English. In formal settings, “Goedendag" is used, meaning "Good day." However, depending on the time of day, you might also hear “Goedemorgen" (Good morning) or “Goedenavond" (Good evening).

French

In France, the informal greeting “Salut" is commonly used between friends, much like "Hi" in English. In more formal situations, or when addressing strangers, “Bonjour" ("Good day") is the standard greeting. The French place great importance on polite greetings, and it’s customary to say “Bonjour" when entering a shop or starting a conversation with someone new. Here’s how to say hello in these languages, along with some cultural insights.

German

In Germany, the informal greeting “Hallo" is commonly used among friends, while “Servus" is a regional greeting used mainly in Bavaria and Austria. In formal settings, “Guten Tag" ("Good day") is the standard greeting, though Germans also use “Guten Morgen" (Good morning) and “Guten Abend" (Good evening) depending on the time of day.

Greek

Greek greetings change depending on formality. Informally, you can say “Γεια σου" (Yia sou) when addressing one person or “Γεια σας" (Yia sas) when speaking to multiple people or in a respectful manner. Both phrases mean "health to you," similar to wishing someone well.

Hindi

In India, “Namaste" is the most common greeting and is used both informally and formally. It carries a sense of respect and is often accompanied by a slight bow with hands pressed together in a prayer-like position. A more formal variation is “Namaskar", which is used in highly respectful situations.

Hungarian

Hungarian has distinct greetings based on formality. Among friends, “Szia" is used, similar to "Hi" in English. In formal settings, “Jó napot kívánok" is the preferred phrase, meaning "I wish you a good day." Hungarian is known for its unique vocabulary, making its greetings quite different from those in other European languages.

Irish Gaelic

In Irish Gaelic, greetings are deeply rooted in tradition. “Dia dhuit" means "God be with you" and is used as a general greeting. The response, “Dia is Muire dhuit", means "God and Mary be with you," adding an extra layer of politeness. These greetings reflect Ireland’s historical and religious influences.

IsiNdebele

Spoken in Zimbabwe, IsiNdebele has various greetings depending on formality. Informally, people may say “Zithini?" meaning "what's happening?" or “U-sharp?" or "Unjani?" both of which are mean to "How are you?".

In formal settings, “Salibonani" or “Sabona" are used, both meaning "We see you" or "I see you," showing respect and acknowledgment. Sabona is slightly informal, whereas Salibonani is the same but with honorifics. 

Italian

Italian greetings vary depending on the situation. “Ciao" is widely used informally, much like "Hi" or "Bye" in English. In formal contexts, “Buongiorno" ("Good day") is common during the morning and early afternoon, while “Salve" is a neutral and polite greeting that works in various situations.

Japanese

Japanese greetings reflect the country's emphasis on politeness. Informally, “やあ" (Yā) is a casual way to say hello, often used among close friends. A more common and polite greeting is “こんにちは" (Konnichiwa), which is used throughout the day in most social and professional interactions.

Korean

Korean has a clear distinction between informal and formal greetings. “안녕" (Annyeong) is a casual way to say hello, typically used with friends or younger people. In formal settings, “안녕하세요" (Annyeong haseyo) is the preferred greeting, showing respect and politeness.

Norwegian

In Norway, the informal greeting “Hei" is commonly used, similar to "Hi" in English. In formal settings, Norwegians say “God dag", which translates to "Good day." However, modern Norwegian tends to favour informal greetings even in professional environments.

Polish

In Poland, the informal greeting “Cześć" is commonly used among friends and family, similar to "Hi" or "Hey" in English. In formal situations, “Dzień dobry" is the appropriate greeting, meaning "Good day." Depending on the time of day, you might also hear “Dobry wieczór" (Good evening) in the evening hours.

Portuguese

Portuguese greetings vary slightly between Portugal and Brazil, but both use “Oi" as a casual greeting, much like "Hi." A slightly more neutral and polite greeting is “Olá", which can be used in both informal and formal settings. Portuguese speakers often follow up their greetings with polite inquiries such as “Tudo bem?" (How are you?).

Russian

Russian has a clear distinction between informal and formal greetings. “Привет" (Privet) is the casual way to say hello, used among friends and close acquaintances. In formal situations, “Здравствуйте" (Zdravstvuyte) is used, which literally means "Be healthy." This greeting is appropriate when addressing strangers, elders, or in professional environments.

Scottish Gaelic

Scottish Gaelic, still spoken in parts of Scotland, uses “Halò" as a general greeting in both informal and formal contexts. A more time-specific formal greeting is “Madainn mhath", meaning "Good morning." Although not widely spoken, Gaelic greetings are an important part of Scotland’s cultural heritage.

Serbian

In Serbia, “Zdravo" is a versatile greeting that can be used both informally and formally. Another common informal greeting is “Ćao", borrowed from Italian, which is widely used among younger generations. In more formal settings, “Dobar dan" ("Good day") is preferred.

Serbian/Croatian

Although Serbian and Croatian are closely related languages, greetings can differ slightly. In Serbian, “Ćao" is a common informal greeting, while in Croatian, “Bok" is more typical. Both languages use “Zdravo" as a neutral greeting. In formal situations, “Dobar dan" is widely used in both countries, meaning "Good day."

Spanish

Spanish greetings vary depending on formality and time of day. The most common greeting, “Hola", is used in both informal and neutral settings, much like "Hello" in English. In more formal situations, people often use “Buenos días" ("Good morning") or “Buenas tardes" ("Good afternoon"). In Spanish-speaking cultures, greetings are often accompanied by a handshake or, in informal settings, a kiss on the cheek.

Swedish

In Sweden, “Hej" is the most commonly used greeting, both informally and in semi-formal situations. It is similar to "Hi" in English and is widely accepted in everyday interactions. In more formal situations, “God dag" ("Good day") can be used, though it is less common in modern Swedish.

Turkish

In Turkish, the greeting “Merhaba" is used in both informal and formal contexts and simply means "Hello." In more religious or traditional settings, particularly in Turkey’s Muslim communities, “Selamün aleyküm" is also used, meaning "Peace be upon you." The standard response is “Ve aleyküm selam" ("And peace be upon you too").

Urdu

Spoken mainly in Pakistan and parts of India, Urdu follows the Islamic tradition of greeting with “Assalamu alaikum", which means "Peace be upon you." This greeting is used in both informal and formal situations, with the standard response being “Wa alaikum assalam" ("And peace be upon you too"). The phrase reflects cultural values of respect and warmth in Urdu-speaking communities.

Welsh

Welsh, a Celtic language spoken in Wales, has a variety of greetings. “Shwmae" (pronounced "shoo-my") is an informal way to say hello and is commonly heard in South Wales. In more formal or time-specific greetings, “Bore da" ("Good morning") and “Prynhawn da" ("Good afternoon") are used.