It is a small but a very important thing, how you greet others. The words one chooses and the way one delivers them set the tone for the entire conversation, and as a result, shape your relationship with the other individual. One may use something such as a formal “good day” in specific situations, and a more informal “hey” or “hi” in some others. Knowing how to say hello in various languages of the world and which conversation starters to use is the initial step in learning a new language.

Few of you would doubt that “hello” (or certain variation of it) is one of the most essential phrases and expressions you must learn when you are just beginning out picking up a new tongue.

So, when it comes to learning ways to say hello in different languages around the globe, don’t fret. In this blog, you will be covered.

Here are some of the ways to say hello.

French

Formal: Bonjour

Informal: Salut

Russian

Formal: Zdravstvuyte

Informal: Privet

Italian

Formal: Salve

Informal: Ciao

Spanish

Formal: Hola

Informal: ¿Qué tal? (What’s up?)

Japanese

Formal: Konnichiwa

Informal: Yā, Yō

German

Formal: Guten Tag

Informal: Hallo, Hi

Portuguese

Formal: Olá

Informal: Oi

Chinese

Formal: Nǐn hǎo

Informal: Nǐ hǎo

Dutch

Formal: Goedendag

Informal: Hoi, Hallo

Indonesian

Formal: Selamat siang

Informal: Halo