50 Ways to Say “Hello” in foreign languages

by Alex Questly

If you’re thinking about learning a foreign language, you might be overwhelmed with vocabulary and grammar. But it can all start with something as simple as saying hello. So if you’re just looking for a quick way to break the ice, here are some essential phrases in a bunch of cool foreign languages!

How to Say “Hello” in French: 7 Fun Ways to Greet Someone in French

Starting with hello might seem like a no-brainer when learning a new language, but greetings can tell you a lot about a culture. In France, greetings aren’t just words—they’re often rich with tradition, respect, and a dash of flirtation. Whether you’re meeting someone in a bustling café in Paris or greeting a new friend, these French greetings will help you start the conversation off on the right foot.


  1. Bonjour (bohn-zhoor)
    Meaning: “Good day” or “Hello”
    When to use: This is the quintessential French greeting. It’s polite, formal, and used throughout the day until about 6 pm. Whether you’re walking along the Seine or entering a boulangerie, “Bonjour” will always be a safe bet.
  2. Salut (sah-loo)
    Meaning: “Hi”
    When to use: This one is for your friends and family. Casual and informal, it’s like saying “hi” in English. Use it with people you know well, and definitely not with your boss or the person serving you croissants.
  3. Bonsoir (bohn-swahr)
    Meaning: “Good evening”
    When to use: This greeting replaces “bonjour” as the sun sets. A great way to greet someone before dinner, whether you’re at a chic Parisian restaurant or hanging out with friends in a cozy bar.
  4. Coucou (koo-koo)
    Meaning: “Hey there!”
    When to use: Super casual and often used when you’re excited to see someone. Think of it as the French version of “yo” or “hey” when talking to your closest friends. Not for formal settings!
  5. Allô (ah-lo)
    Meaning: “Hello”
    When to use: Mostly used when answering the phone. But if you’ve ever watched a French movie, you’ll know that “Allô?” sounds a lot more dramatic in French than in English!
  6. Comment ça va ? (koh-mohn sah vah)
    Meaning: “How’s it going?”
    When to use: After the hello, you’ll want to ask how the person is doing. A casual, friendly way to continue the conversation. Bonus points if you reply with “Ça va bien!” (“I’m good!”).
  7. Bienvenue (byan-veh-noo)
    Meaning: “Welcome”
    When to use: A warm and welcoming greeting when someone is arriving or joining you. It’s a bit more formal but is used when you’re hosting someone, or when welcoming a guest to your home or event.

French culture tip: When you meet someone for the first time, especially in formal settings, you’ll often exchange a handshake. For closer relationships, the la bise, a cheek kiss, is common in France and other parts of Europe—usually two or three kisses, depending on the region.


How to Say “Hello” in Spanish: 7 Fun and Friendly Ways to Greet in Spanish

Spanish-speaking countries are known for their warmth, hospitality, and energy. Greetings are a vital part of daily life, from the casual “Hola” to the more intimate “¿Qué tal?” These expressions aren’t just words; they’re part of the heart of Spanish culture—inviting, lively, and full of life.


  1. Hola (oh-lah)
    Meaning: “Hello”
    When to use: The simplest and most universal greeting. “Hola” works anytime, anywhere—whether you’re walking the streets of Madrid or sitting down for a meal in Mexico City.
  2. ¿Qué tal? (keh tahl)
    Meaning: “How’s it going?”
    When to use: A very common greeting used in casual, everyday conversations. It’s similar to “How are you?” but with a more relaxed tone.
  3. Buenos días (bweh-nohs dee-ahs)
    Meaning: “Good morning”
    When to use: To greet someone in the morning until about 12 pm. Use this one when you’re feeling polite, and if you’re in Spain, you might hear this from the person at the bakery as they hand you your breakfast croissant!
  4. Buenas tardes (bweh-nahs tahr-dehs)
    Meaning: “Good afternoon”
    When to use: After 12 pm until the evening. If you’re in Spain, you might hear it during siesta time—when everyone’s recharging after lunch.
  5. Buenas noches (bweh-nahs noh-chehs)
    Meaning: “Good night”
    When to use: It’s how you greet someone in the evening or when you’re leaving them for the night. Bonus: It can also be used to say “goodbye” after dark.
  6. ¿Cómo estás? (koh-moh es-tahs)
    Meaning: “How are you?”
    When to use: This is the classic follow-up after “Hola.” It’s a friendly and personal way to ask someone how they’re doing. A great conversation starter with family and friends.
  7. Qué pasa (keh pah-sah)
    Meaning: “What’s up?”
    When to use: Totally casual, this is a way to greet your friends or anyone you know well. Use it in a relaxed situation, such as when meeting friends for tapas.

Spanish culture tip: In Spain, especially in more traditional settings, you may get a cheek kiss when you greet someone, even if it’s the first time you meet. It’s all about warmth and connection. In other Spanish-speaking countries, this can vary, but generally, a handshake or hug is common. Learn more: how to say hi or hello in Spanish.


How to Say “Hello” in German: 5 Ways to Start a Conversation

Germans take their greetings seriously, often including formalities and polite expressions. Saying “hello” in German can range from casual to formal, depending on the context. It’s all about being polite, but still friendly!


  1. Hallo (hah-loh)
    Meaning: “Hello”
    When to use: The most common and neutral way to greet someone, no matter the time of day. Say “Hallo” to friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.
  2. Guten Morgen (goo-ten mor-gen)
    Meaning: “Good morning”
    When to use: A respectful and formal greeting before noon. Perfect for business or a formal encounter.
  3. Guten Tag (goo-ten tahg)
    Meaning: “Good day”
    When to use: Another formal greeting, typically used in more official or professional settings. It’s perfect when addressing someone you don’t know well.
  4. Hi (high)
    Meaning: “Hi”
    When to use: Casual and informal, used with friends, family, or people your own age. Germans love using “Hi” just like English speakers do!
  5. Servus (zehr-voos)
    Meaning: “Hi” or “Hello”
    When to use: Common in Southern Germany and Austria, “Servus” is a friendly and informal greeting that feels like “Hey there!” in English.

German culture tip: Germans often shake hands when meeting, even with friends, as a sign of respect. In more informal settings, however, hugging or a slap on the back might replace the handshake.


How to Say “Hello” in Chinese: 5 Polite and Casual Ways

Chinese greetings can be formal or informal depending on the context, and there are many ways to say hello depending on the region and situation. Chinese greetings carry a lot of meaning, especially when you meet someone for the first time. Let’s dive into the greeting culture in China.


  1. 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
    Meaning: “Hello”
    When to use: The most standard greeting used with anyone. Whether it’s your friend, a shopkeeper, or a colleague, this will always be understood.
  2. 早上好 (Zǎo shàng hǎo)
    Meaning: “Good morning”
    When to use: Use this one early in the day until about 10 am, especially in formal settings or when addressing someone older.
  3. 嗨 (Hāi)
    Meaning: “Hi”
    When to use: The casual version of “hello,” used among friends or younger people. It’s a universal greeting, and you’ll hear it from younger generations.
  4. 您好 (Nín hǎo)
    Meaning: “Hello” (respectful)
    When to use: The polite and respectful way to greet someone, typically used for older people or in formal situations.
  5. 最近怎么样 (Zuì jìn zěn me yàng)?
    Meaning: “How have you been recently?”
    When to use: An informal way of asking how someone is doing, perfect for checking in on a friend.

Chinese culture tip: In Chinese culture, respect and politeness are very important, so it’s common to use respectful language like “您好 (Nín hǎo)” for older individuals or those in positions of authority.

Alex Trivia
Alex Questly

Hi, I’m Alex—your trivia-obsessed, fact-hoarding host of this little corner of the internet. Picture me in my tiny home office, walls lined with shelves buckling under the weight of old trivia books, science magazines, and a stack of half-filled notebooks. My desk is a chaotic mess—a chipped coffee mug holding an army of pens, my laptop precariously perched atop an outdated encyclopedia, and post-it notes with scribbled reminders stuck to everything in sight (including, somehow, the cat). Welcome to the madness!

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