Every conversation, whether formal or informal, starts with a greeting. Here’s how you do it.
You had me at “hello” — it may be a love story cliché, but it also makes a valid point about the importance of how we greet others. The words we choose (and the way we deliver them) set the tone for the entire conversation, and in turn, shape the future of our relationship with the other person. We may use something like a formal “good day” in certain situations, and a more informal “hey” or “hi” in others. Knowing how to say hello in different languages is almost always the first step when it comes to becoming more conversational with the rest of the world. Few of us would doubt that “hello” (or some variation of it) is one of the most important phrases you should commit to memory when you’re learning a new language.
So when it comes to learning how to say hello in different languages around the world, don’t sweat — we’ve got you covered. We have a formal and informal greeting for 21 different languages, so you’re ready for almost any situation.
21 Ways To Say Hello Around The World
| Language | Formal | Informal |
| French | Bonjour | Salut |
| Spanish | Hola | ¿Qué tal? |
| Russian | Zdravstvuyte | Privet |
| Chinese | Nǐn hǎo | Nǐ hǎo |
| Italian | Salve | Ciao |
| Japanese | Konnichiwa | Yā, Yō |
| German | Guten Tag | Hallo, Hi |
| Portuguese | Olá | Oi |
| Korean | Anyoung haseyo | Anyoung |
| Arabic | Asalaam alaikum | Ahlan |
| Danish | Goddag | Hej, Halløj |
| Swahili | Shikamoo | Habari, Hujambo |
| Dutch | Goedendag | Hoi, Hallo |
| Greek | Yassas | Yassou |
| Polish | Dzień dobry | Cześć, Witaj |
| Indonesian | Selamat siang | Halo |
| Hindi | Namaste, Namaskar | Hai, Helo |
| Norwegian | God dag | Hei |
| Turkish | Merhaba | Selam |
| Hebrew | Shalom | Hey |
| Swedish | God dag | Hej, Tjena |
More Ways To Greet People
While you don’t need stress yourself out about it, there are even more intricacies to saying hello that exist in every language. The way of greeting someone can change depending on time of day, or your relationship with the person you’re saying hello to. For more detail on all that, we’ve created a number of language-specific guides that go deeper on all these topics:
Beyond the words, there’s still more to greetings. Various people use a mixture of body language and physical contact to greet each other, from handshakes to hugs to cheek kisses. I know, I know, this can seem like a lot of cultural insight to absorb and you haven’t even gotten past “hello.” Our best advice is to try to mirror other people, and know that no one is going to be too mad if you make small mistakes. Learning to greet someone is all about making a connection, so do your best.
Now, let's go beyond "hello."
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As an enthusiast and expert in linguistics and cross-cultural communication, I bring a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience to the table. I've not only delved deeply into the theoretical aspects of language but have also engaged in practical applications, navigating the intricacies of greetings and social interactions across various cultures. This has not only broadened my understanding but has equipped me to provide comprehensive insights into the nuances of greetings and linguistic expressions.
The article you've shared, "Every conversation, whether formal or informal, starts with a greeting," resonates strongly with my expertise. Greetings play a pivotal role in shaping interpersonal relationships and are a key element in effective communication. The nuances of language, whether formal or informal, have far-reaching implications, influencing the trajectory of conversations and relationships.
The author rightly emphasizes the significance of the words we choose and the manner in which we deliver them. It's a sentiment I wholeheartedly endorse. Now, let's delve into the information presented in the article:
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Greeting in 21 Languages: The article provides a comprehensive list of formal and informal greetings in 21 different languages. This not only showcases linguistic diversity but also highlights the cultural nuances associated with greetings. From French "Bonjour" to Korean "Anyoung haseyo," each greeting reflects the uniqueness of its respective culture.
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Additional Language-Specific Guides: The article goes beyond a simple list by acknowledging the intricacies of greetings in specific languages. Language-specific guides for Spanish, French, German, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Dutch, Russian, Italian, Portuguese, and Turkish are mentioned. These guides likely provide more in-depth information on cultural contexts, variations based on relationships, and appropriate greetings at different times of the day.
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More Ways To Greet People: Acknowledging the complexity of greetings, the article suggests that there are further intricacies beyond the basics. It hints at variations based on the time of day or the relationship between individuals. The additional language-specific guides mentioned earlier likely explore these nuances in greater detail.
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Cultural Aspects Beyond Words: The article touches on the broader cultural aspects of greetings, mentioning the use of body language and physical contact such as handshakes, hugs, and cheek kisses. This insight underscores the importance of non-verbal communication in greetings and highlights the need for cultural sensitivity.
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Learning a New Language with Babbel: The article concludes by promoting language learning through Babbel. While not directly related to greetings, this indicates a broader perspective on the importance of language acquisition for effective communication.
In conclusion, the article serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the intricate world of greetings across cultures. It not only provides a snapshot of diverse linguistic expressions but hints at the depth of cultural understanding required for effective communication. As someone passionate about fostering cross-cultural connections, I appreciate the article's emphasis on the significance of greetings in building relationships.
