The significance of the word ‘hello’ is often overlooked. If you think about it, it’s usually the first word we say before we start a conversation. Whether it’s a life-long friend or a first acquaintance the initial greeting is usually a simple ‘hello’.
Learn to say ‘hello’ in 12 different languages and don’t forget to smile. 🙂
Hello in English:
Usage: Formal / Informal
In English, the word ‘hello’ is used for formal situations but it’s also used informally. While ‘hi’ is used if you want to sound more casual. ‘Hey’ is best used among friends or people that you have a friendly relationship with. It’s also common to stretch the word to show excitement, for example, ‘Hiiii’ or Heyyy’ but remember to only use this in informal situations.
Hello In Arabic:
مرحبا (Marhaba)
Usage: Formal
Marhaba is the most popular word used for the word “hello” in the Arabic language. Marhaban is more on the fancy side of the term and Marhaba is more familiar and the most popular. Maraheb is mostly used among close friends and relatives.
Hello in Russian:
Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuyte)
Usage: Formal
If you ask a local: “How do you say ‘hello’ in Russian?” they are very likely to teach you this word. You can use it when you are greeting the elderly, people with authority and even those you have the intentions to become buddies with.
Hello in Spanish:
Hola (Ola)
Usage: Informal
Hola (the ‘H’ is silent in Spanish) can be used at any time of day, and it’s by far the most common way of greeting someone in Spanish.
Hello in German:
Hallo (Halo)
Usage: Informal
This is the simplest way to say “hello” in German. It’s a friendly, all-purpose greeting that can be used in almost any situation. The formal phrase is “Guten Tag” which translates to “Good day”
Hello In French:
Bonjour (Bon-zhoor)
Usage: Formal / Informal
There are many ways in French to say “hello” but “bonjour” is definitely the most well-known. It’s universally polite and friendly, whether the situation is formal or informal. Bonjour is a combination of the words bon (“good”) and jour (“day”). A more casual way to greet people is ‘salut’ which means “hi!”
Hello In Italian:
Ciao (chow)
Usage: Informal
Ciao is one of the most popular Italian words around the globe and it has been adopted as a friendly salutation by many. In Italy, the phrase is used informally to greet close friends, family or peers. It can be used for both “hello” and “goodbye” (just like ‘Aloha’ in Hawaii).
A more formal greeting is ‘Buongiorno’ and is used for greeting your boss or anyone you need to address formally.
Hello in Portuguese:
Olá (o-laa)
Usage: Informal
Saying “hello” which is “olá” in either European or Brazilian Portuguese is the same. “Olá” sounds very similar to the Spanish “hola” yet the difference between them is significant. The “hola” has a first syllable which is stressed on unlike “olá” in which stress is set on the second syllable (oh-La) and that is why “olá” is written with an accent on the “a”.
Hello in Hindi:
नमस्ते (Namaste)
Usage: Formal
“Namaste” is a formal way to say “hello” in Hindi, as well as a friendly greeting. It literally means ‘I bow to you’. It can be used at any time of day; morning, noon, and evening.
Namaste is usually accompanied by a gesture known as Añjali Mudra. You say the word with a slight bow and your hands pressed together with the thumbs close to the chest.
Hello in Swahili:
Habari (Habari)
Usage: Informal
“Habari” is the most commonly used informal greeting in Swahili. You can use it to greet friends and relatives, or people you don’t even know. “Habari” means “hi” or “hello”. The formal way of greeting people in Swahili is “Shikamoo” and it’s often reserved for the elderly.
Hello in Japanese:
こんにちは (Kon’nichiwa)
Usage: Formal
“Konnichiwa” is the most common and classic word for saying “hello” in Japanese no matter the social status and it is only used during the day. You can use it for both formal and semi-formal situations. Saying “Konnichiwa” to a very close friend of yours would sound a bit awkward, instead, you can say やあ (Yā). An even more casual way to greet is to say ‘Yo’ (similar to English).
Hello in Chinese:
你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
Usage: Formal
Nǐ hǎo is a greeting used in situations in which you want to express respect to the person you are saying it. Using it with close friends is kind of awkward, people in China don’t tend to use it much with people whom they are familiar with.
Hello in Korean:
안녕하세요 (an-nyeong-haseyo)
Usage: Formal
“Annyeonghaseyo” is a formal Korean greeting that can be used in everyday conversations and in most situations. When you are in a situation in which you are not sure if you greet in a formal or informal way “annyeonghaseyo” is a safer bet.
And now for a quick recaP
Conclusion
Now that you know how to say hello in different languages, you should take this opportunity to initiate conversations. If you are visiting a foreign country and the only word you know to say is ‘hello’ (in their native language) make sure to use it! It makes a great first impression and shows that you respect their language and culture.
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Andrie Steliou
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