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How to Say Hello in Different Languages with Pronunciation (150 Languages)

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Are you looking for how to say hello in different languages with pronunciation? You’re in the right place! In this post, we won’t teach you how to say hello in 100 languages but how to say hello in 150 languages, including in sign language. 

Knowing how to say hello in many languages has helped us communicate and easily connect with locals while visiting all of our romantic destinations. Locals always appreciate when visitors greet them in their own language so it is both a mark of politeness and open-mindedness. 

Knowing the local language and culture of the country you are visiting makes it easier to make friends and start conversations. For example, you can learn how to say cheers in France or how to say no in France to make sure to not make any faux-pas!

Learn how to say hello in different languages in this post
Learn how to say hello in different languages in this post
Knowing how to say Hello in different languages will help you when you travel
Knowing how to say Hello in different languages will help you when you travel

Even if you think you aren’t good at language learning, you’ll see in this post that learning how to say hello in different languages is actually doable. To make it even easier for you, we included the pronunciation of each translation of “hello”. 

In addition, you should note that saying hello in different languages can also be done in a physical manner. In that context, we have included signs and hand moves that are used in some countries to greet others. We have also highlighted where you can use those moves and what countries consider them rude!

In this guide, you will get:

  • a how to say hi in different languages list
  • a hello in different languages list
  • pronunciation for each translation of “hello”
  • different writings for each translation of hello if the language uses a different alphabet
  • where you can use each saying
  • acceptable physical ways to greet locals 
  • a couple of songs to learn how to say hello in other languages while singing (perfect for kids)
  • and more!

How to say hello in different European languages

In this section, you’ll learn how to say hello in European languages. When hello and hi are different, we have included how to say hi in all languages of this section.

1. French = Bonjour

Our list of saying hello in every language starts with the French “Bonjour”.

Formal: Bonjour, extra-formal is “Bien le bonjour”

How to pronounce it: Bon-jouhr

Where to say it: Though in France, you can say hello in different languages, Bonjour is the most used in the country. A number of other countries in the world speak French and will use “Bonjour” as well. This includes Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Canada, and some countries in Africa such as Algeria, Morroco and Tunisia. French is also spoken in Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Mauritius, Gabon and Guinea.  

Informal: “Hey” is an informal way of how to say hi in many languages including French. Another way to say hello in an informal manner is “Salut”.

How to pronounce it: Hey/ Sa-lu

Where to say it: In France, with friends or family 

Slang: “Yo”, “Re” (pronounced Reuh), “Hello”

Note that Bonjour is also one of the ways to say good morning in French!

Learn more French by checking out the following posts:

2. Corsican = Bonghjornu

How to pronounce it: Bon-jorn-ou

Where to say it: Corsican is a language spoken on the Mediterranean Island of Corsica in the south of France. You will hear it when visiting Corsica and its beautiful beaches.

3. Platt = Mosche

How to pronounce it: Mosh-euh

Where to say it: There are different version fo the French Platt but all fo them are spoken in the departments of Moselle and Alsace, and broadly in the Lorraine region in the North East of France. It is mainly spoken by older people and resembles the German language. The Platt language appeared in the 2nd and 3rd centuries after JC. Some words of Platt have made it more commonly to the  French language.

4. Basque = Egun on

As you’ve seen, French people can say hello in different ways depending on the region they are from. 

Formal: Egun on

How to pronounce it: Aygoon -ohn

Where to say it: Basque language is one of the spoken languages by the Basques in the Basque Country of France which is a region in the South-West of France. 

5. Breton = Demat

Formal: Degemer mat or Demat or Boñjour deoc’h

How to pronounce it: Dayguaymer/Daymat/Bon-jour-dyoch

Where to say it: In Bretagne, the Western region of France. 

Informal: Salud/ Mont a ra

How to pronounce it: Sa-lood/Monta-ra

Where to say it: In Bretagne, in more relaxed situations. Note also that in the Breton language, it is common to just say “how are you” (like Mont a ra) instead of “hello” to salute someone.

6. German = Guten Tag

Formal: Guten Tag

How to pronounce it: Goo-teunn tahk

Where to say it: You can use Guten Tag in Germany and other German speaking countries such as part of Switzerland, part of Luxembourg, and Austria. 

Informal: Hallo

How to pronounce it: Ha-low

Where to say it: If you’re looking for how do you say hi in different languages, “Hallo” is the right term in Germany when meeting with friends or family and people you know well. 

7. Swiss German = Grüezi

Formal: Grüezi 

How to pronounce it: Groo-tsi

Where to say it: Grüezi is used to say hello in the German part of Switzerland, in Lichtenstein, and in parts of Germany. 

8. Bavarian = Griaß Good

Formal: Griaß Good or Grüß Got

How to pronounce it: Gruss- guott

Where to say it: Though German is the official language in Germany, a number of people also speak Bavarian in the Bavarian region which comprises the city of Munich and shares a border with Austria. 

Informal: If you’re looking for how to say hi in other languages in Bavaria, Servas or Servus are your pick!

How to pronounce it: Serv-voos

Where to say it: With friends in Bavaria

Slang: Moin Moin (pronounced moïn moïn)

9. Spanish = Buen día

Formal: Buen día

How to pronounce it: Booen-diah

Where to say it: Spanish is spoken in both Spain and Mexico. It is also the primary language in a number of Central and South American countries like Bolivia, Panama and Chile. In addition, a number of people in the USA speak Spanish due to the proximity with Mexico.

Informal: Hola

How to pronounce it: O-la

Where to say it: In more relaxed situations, with friends, family or teachers. 

10. Catalan = Bon dia

Formal: Bon dia

How to pronounce it: Bonn-dia

Where to say it: Catalan is the official language of the small country of Andorra between France and Spain. It is also a widely used language in Spain in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. 

Informal: Hola

How to pronounce it: O-la

Where to say it: In more relaxed situations, with friends, family or teachers.

11. Galician = Ola

Formal: Ola 

How to pronounce it: Ohla

Where to say it: Galician is spoken mostly in the Northwestern region of Spain  where is is recognised as a co-official language.

12. Italian = Buongiorno or Salve

Formal: Buongiorno (to use before noon) or Salve

How to pronounce it: Booaun-geeorno / Sahl-vay

Where to say it: All over Italy and in the Italian speaking region of Switzerland. You will definitely use Buongiorno when visiting Favignana, a beautiful island in Sicily.

Informal: Ciao

How to pronounce it: Tsheeao

Where to say it: Italians say ciao all the time whether to friends, family or strangers. Ciao is also used fairly commonly in France to say goodbye!

13. Luxembourgish = Moien

Formal: Moien

How to pronounce it: Moh-yuhn

Where to say it: in the small country of Luxembourg

14. Portuguese = Bom dia

Formal: Bom dia

How to pronounce it: Bohm-dia

Where to say it: Portuguese is the spoken language in Portugal and Brazil and in former colonies such as Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Macau. You will definitely use Bom dia when visiting Portuguese landmarks or when visiting Lisbon.

Informal: Olá/Saude

How to pronounce it: Oh-la/ Sah-ooday

Where to say it: You can use Saude in a more relaxed setting. Olá can be mixed with Bom dia in both a formal or informal context. 

Learn how to say hello in different languages with pronunciation in this post
Learn how to say hello in different languages with pronunciation in this post

15. Greek = Yassas (γιασσας)

Formal: Yassas is a more general way of saying hello that you can use throughout the day. Other ways to say hello include Kalimera (to us win the morning) and Kalistera (to use in the afternoon)

How to pronounce it: Yah-ssahs

Where to say it: In Greece and Cyprus. Yassas is widely used with tourists on the best romantic Greek Islands such as Ios Island and Paros Island.

If you are wondering how to spell hello in different languages, Greek has different ways to spell it. Greek uses the Greek alphabet so even though we commonly use the Roman spelling, Greek people spell Yassas “γιασσας”.

Hello in Greek is Yassas
Hello in Greek is Yassas

16. Croatian = Zdravo

Formal: Zdravo

How to pronounce it: Zdrah-voh

Where to say it: You can use Zdravo in Croatia but also in Serbia and Bosnia. 

17. Serbian = Zdravo (Здраво)

Formal: Zdravo

How to pronounce it: Zdrah-voh

Where to say it: You can use Zdravo in Serbia and Bosnia. In Serbian, it is spelt Здраво.

18. Welsh = Helô

Formal: Helo for hello, Bore da for good morning, and Prynhawn da for good afternoon

How to pronounce it: like hello

Where to say it: Welsh is more commonly spoken in Wales and by some people in England. It is also spoken in the Chubut Province in Argentina.  

Informal: If you are wondering how to say hi in all languages, Shwmae and Su’Mae are two equivalents of hi in Welsh

How to pronounce it: shoe-my

Where to say it: In more informal set ups and also serve to ask how are you.

Slang: Haia (equivalent to Hiya in English)

19. Irish = Dia dhuit

The Irish language is a great example of how to say ‘hello’ in different languages in the same country. Though Ireland uses English for most things, the Irish language is still very present and is used on a daily basis.

Formal: Dia dhuit

How to pronounce it: Dee-uh ggwitch

Where to say it: In Ireland and Northern Ireland (United Kingdom). You will definitely use it if you decide to move to Dublin or if you go on a road trip in Ireland.

Hello in Irish is Dia dhuit
Hello in Irish is Dia dhuit

20. Scottish Gaelic = Halò

Formal: Halò

How to pronounce it: Ha-low

Where to say it: You can use it in Scotland though it is rarely used nowadays

21. Maltese = Bongu

Formal: Bongu

How to pronounce it: Bon-djoo

Where to say it: In Malta but also in Comino and Gozo

22. Slovak = Dobrý den or Ahoj

Formal: Dobrý den

How to pronounce it: Dob-ree den

Where to say it: In Slovakia with people you don’t know or are older than you.

Informal: Ahoj

How to pronounce it: Ah-hoy

Where to say it: Mostly with friend and family or people you know

23. Dutch = Hallo

Formal: Hallo

How to pronounce it: HA-low

Where to say it: In Dutch is spoken in the Netherlands and the north of Belgium. You can use Hallo with people you know or don’t know as it is a common way of greeting others.

Informal: Hoy

How to pronounce it: Ho-yy

Where to say it: You can use Hoy mostly with friends and family as it is the equivalent of “Hi”.

24. Polish = Cześć

Formal: Cześć (hello) or Dzien dobry (good morning/good afternoon)

How to pronounce it: Cheshch / Jan-Doh-brih

Where to say it: Polish is spoken mainly in Poland. 

25. Czech = Ahoj

Formal: Ahoj

How to pronounce it: Ah-hoy

Where to say it: You can use Ahoj in the Czech Republic but also in Slovakia.

26. Hungarian = Szia

Formal: Szia

How to pronounce it: Tsee-ah

Where to say it: Szia is the translation of both hello and hi. Hungarian is spoken in Hungary and parts of the Balkans as well.

27. Albanian = Përshëndetje

Formal: Përshëndetje

How to pronounce it: Per-shen-deat-ye

Where to say it: You can use Përshëndetje mostly in Albania and Kosovo though it is also used in parts of the Balkans. 

28. Swedish = Hallå

Formal: Hallå

How to pronounce it: Hal-owa

Where to say it: You can use Hallå to greet people in Sweden and in the Aland Islands. 

Informal: Hej or Hej hej

How to pronounce it: Hey

Where to say it: With friends and family or people you know well.

29. Norwegian = Hallo

Formal: Hallo

How to pronounce it: Ah-low

Where to say it: In Norway

Informal: Hei Hei

How to pronounce it: Hei Hei is pronounced like hi

Where to say it: Hei Hei is used in both formal and informal situations. It is acceptable to use it at the bank for example. 

30. Lithuanian = Sveiki

Formal: Sveikas (talking to one male), Sveika (talking to one female), Sveiki (talking to a group)

How to pronounce it: Sveh-kii

Where to say it: In Lithuania

Informal: Labas

How to pronounce it: Lah-bahs

Where to say it: With friends and family 

31. Estonian =  Tere/Tervist

Formal:  Tere/Tervist

How to pronounce it: Tehr-reh/ Tehr-veest

Where to say it: In Estonia

32. Latvian = Sveiki

Formal: Sveiki

How to pronounce it: Svhey-kee

Where to say it: In Latvia though other northern countries have similar greetings.

33. Danish = Goddag

Formal: Goddag

How to pronounce it: Gooddhey

Where to say it: in Denmark 

Informal: Hej, Halløj

How to pronounce it: hi/ Hell-ow

Where to say it: In more relaxed situations

34. Finnish = Moy, Moikka or Hei

Formal: Moy, Moikka or Hei

How to pronounce it: Moyy/ Moy-kah/ Hi

Where to say it: In Finland

35. Icelandic = Halló or Hæ

Formal: Halló or Hæ hæ

How to pronounce it: Hal-ow 

Where to say it: In Iceland Halló is used in formal contexts but Hæ is often more commonly used across the board.

36. Ukrainian = Dobryj Den (Добрий день! ) or Pryvit

Formal: Dobryj Den (Добрий день!) or Pryvit

How to pronounce it: Doh-brihy dehn

Where to say it: Dobryj Den and Pryvit are used mostly in Ukraine though you’ll notice that they are very similar to the greetings in Russia and other Eastern countries. 

37. Romanian = Bună

Formal: Bună

How to pronounce it: Boo-nah

Where to say it: Bună is used in Romania but also in Moldova.

38. Belarusian = Dobry dzień (добры дзень)

Formal: Dobry dzień (добры дзень)

How to pronounce it: Dob-ree den

Where to say it: Dobry dzień is used in Belarus but also in bordering countries such as Russia, Ukraine and Poland. 

39. Georgian = Gamarjoba (გამარჯობა)

Formal: Gamarjoba (გამარჯობა)

How to pronounce it: gah-mar-jo-bah

Where to say it: You can us Gamarjoba to greet people everywhere whether that’d be at a cafe or at the bank.

40. Bosnia = Zdravo (Здраво)

Formal: Zdravo (Здраво)

How to pronounce it: Zdrah-voh

Where to say it: You can use Zdravo in Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia, and Montenegro.

41. Serbian = Zdravo (Здраво)

Formal: Zdravo (Здраво)

How to pronounce it: ZDRAH-voh

Where to say it: You can use Zdravo in Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia, and Montenegro.

42. Yiddish = Hela (העלא)

Formal: Hela (העלא)

How to pronounce it: Hel-ah

Where to say it: Yiddish is one of the languages spoken by Jewish people in Ashkenazi culture. It is a German dialect and was the number one language among Jews in the 1850s.

Other ways to greet someone in Yiddish:

  • Sholem-ameykhem (may peace come to you)
  • Gutn Tog (good day)
  • Gut-Morgn (good morning)

43. Esperanto = Saluton

Formal: Saluton

How to pronounce it: Sahl-oo-tohn

Where to say it: In numerous parts of the world referred to as “Esperanto-land”. Esperanto is a constructed language that is not officially recognised anywhere. It was invented in the late 1800S by a Polish professor. Unua Libro was the first book setting out the basics for the made-up language. It is estimated that about 2 million people speak Esperanto in the world, with about 1,000 native speakers. 

44. Turkish = Merhaba

Formal: Merhaba. Other ways to formally greet people in Turkey include using Nasilsiniz, which means “How are you?” or adding “Bey” after men’s names or “Hanim” after women’s names.

How to pronounce it: Mehr-ha-bah

Where to say it: You can use Merhaba in Turkey, Cyprus and regions of Azerbaijan.

How do you say hello in other languages in North America

45. Mexican Spanish = Hola

Formal: Hola

How to pronounce it: Ho-la

Where to say it: In Mexico

46. Nahuatl (aztec) = Niltze Tialli Pialli

Formal: abbreviated to Pialli

How to pronounce it: Pee-ah-lee

Where to say it: This language is spoken mainly in central Mexico.

47. Quebecois French = Bonjour, Bon matin, Hello

Formal: Bonjour, Bon matin, Hello

How to pronounce it: Bon-jjoor, Bon-mah-tuinh

Where to say it: Just like France, the Quebecois use the French bonjour. In the morning, Quebecois use Bon matin, the equivalent of good morning. They also use Hello in the mix. Quebecois are found in the province of Quebec in the East of Canada. 

48. French Creole = Bonjou

How to say hello different languages can differ in the territories of the same country. This is the case for France. 

Formal: Bonjou

How to pronounce it: Bon-jjoo

Where to say it: Bonjou is used in French territories in the Caribbean such as the Guadeloupe and Martinique Islands. As you can tell, it is very similar to the French’ Bonjour and Haitian Creole.

49. Haitian Creole = Bonjou

Formal: Bonjou

How to pronounce it: Bon-jjoo

Where to say it: Bonjou is used in Haiti. As you can tell, it is very similar to the French’ Bonjour.

50. Ojibwe = Aniin 

Formal: Aniin (means I see your light)

How to pronounce it: aaah-neen 

Where to say it: Ojibwe is spoken by the Anishinaabe people in Canada.

51. Hawaiian = Hello and Aloha

Formal: Aloha

How to pronounce it: Ah-loh-ha

Where to say it: Aloha is used in Hawaii to greet people when they arrive by plane. The literal meaning of Aloha is “breath of life”.

52. Navajo = yá’át’ééh

Formal: yá’át’ééh or ahéhee’ or nizhóní

How to pronounce it: yah-tah-hey

Where to say it: The Navajo language is spoken by the Navajo in the South-West of the USA such as New Mexico and Arizona. It is mainly spoken on the Navajo Nation territories. For example, you can use the Navajo language when going horseback riding in Monument Valley or visiting Monument Valley at sunrise with a guide.

Knowing how to say hello in multiple languages can help you connect with locals
Knowing how to say hello in multiple languages can help you connect with locals

53. Tsalagi = Osiyo

Formal: Osiyo

How to pronounce it: Oh-see-yo

Where to say it: Tsalagi is spoken by the Cherokee, a Native American tribe that is found in the South of the USA in states like Georgia, Tennessee and South and North Carolina. 

54. Inuktitut = Ainngai (ᐊᐃᓐᖓᐃ)

Formal: Ainngai

How to pronounce it: Ainngai

Where to say it: If you’re wondering how to say hello in different languages, you’ll be able to use Ainngai in the Arctic territories, Alaska and Northern Canada. 

55. Bahaman = Hello

Formal: Hello

How to pronounce it: like in English

Where to say it: In the Bahamas Islands

How to say hello in languages of South America

In this section, you’ll see how to say hello in different languages of South America. 

56. Paraguayan Guarani = Maitei

Formal: Maitei or Mba’ẽichapa

How to pronounce it: Maytey / Ba-hey-shahpah

Where to say it: In the Republic of Paraguay.

57. Quechua = Allianchu and Allianmi

Formal: Allianchu and Allianmi

How to pronounce it: Eye-eee-anch-oo

Where to say it: A range of versions of the Quechua language are spoken in South America including Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Argentina. 

How do you say hello in different languages in Asia and Oceania

In this section, we go over how to say hello in Asian languages and Oceanian languages. You will see that it happens that people hello in different Asian languages within the same country. We will also go over how to write hello in different languages in Asia. 

58. Japanese = Kon’nichiwa (こんにちは)

Formal: Kon’nichiwa (こんにちは)

How to pronounce it: Kohn-nee-chew-wah

Where to say it: Mostly in Japan and by Japanese around the world. 

59. Mandarin = Nǐ hǎo (你好)

Formal: Nǐ hǎo (你好)

How to pronounce it: nee-ah-ow

Where to say it: Mandarin is the official language of China. It is largely spoken in the country including in Shanghai and Beijing. It is also spoken in Taiwan and in Singapore. 

60. Cantonese = Nǐ hǎo (你好)

Formal: Nǐ hǎo (你好)

How to pronounce it: nee-ha-ow

Where to say it: Cantonese is spoken in Hong Kong, Macau, and in the Guangdong province. Cantonese is one of the languages also used in China.

61. Korean = Annyeong haseyo (안녕하세요)

Formal: Annyeong haseyo (안녕하세요)

How to pronounce it: Ah-nyum ah-sey-haw

Where to say it: Korean is the official language in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and in the Republic of Korea (South Korea)

Informal: Annyeong (안녕)

62. Thai = S̄wạs̄dī (สวัสดี)

Formal: S̄wạs̄dī (สวัสดี)

How to pronounce it: saw-wat-dee

Where to say it: Thai is the sole official language of Thailand. 

63. Armenian = Barev DZez (Բարեւ Ձեզ)

Formal: Barev DZez (Բարեւ Ձեզ)

How to pronounce it: bah-rev d-zehz

Where to say it: Armenian is spoken in Armenia but also in Iran by over 100,000 Armenians living there. It is also spoken by part of the population in Russia and Georgia.

64. Javanese = Halo

Formal: Halo

How to pronounce it: hah-low

Where to say it: Javanese is spoken in Java in Indonesia

65. Vietnamese = Xin Chào

Formal: Xin Chào

How to pronounce it: Tzin-chow

Where to say it: Vietnamese is spoken in Vietnam

66. Samoan = Tālofa

Formal: Tālofa

How to pronounce it: tah-low-phah

Where to say it: In the Samoan Islands

67. Lao = Sabaidee

Formal: Sabaidee

How to pronounce it: sa-baay-dee

Where to say it: Lao is the main language of Laos

68. Mongolian = Sain uu (Сайн уу)

Formal: Sain uu (Сайн уу)

How to pronounce it: say-noo

Where to say it: Mongolian is the official language of Mongolia and is also spoken in parts of Russia and Kyrgyzstan

69. Shanghainese (Wu) = Nóng hō

Formal: Nóng hō

How to pronounce it: nong-ho

Where to say it: Shanghainese is mainly spoken in the City of Shanghai and the surrounding neighbourhoods

70. Sindhi = Assalam o alaikum

Formal: Assalam o alaikum

How to pronounce it: ah-sah-lam-ahlee-koom

Where to say it: In Sindh

71. Burmese = Mingalaba

Formal: Mingalaba

How to pronounce it: Meen-gah-lah-bah

Where to say it: Burmese is spoken in Myanmar.

72. Khmer = Choum Reap Sor

Formal: Choum Reap Sor

How to pronounce it: tjum-reyh-ap-sohr

Where to say it: Khmer is spoken in Cambodia

73. Sinhalese = Ayubowan

Formal: Ayubowan

How to pronounce it: ah-yuh-boh-waan

Where to say it: In Sri Lanka

74. Taiwanese = Li-hó

Formal: Li-hó

How to pronounce it: lee-how

Where to say it: In Taiwan

75. Russian = Privet

Formal: Privet

How to pronounce it: pree-vyeht

Where to say it: Russian is spoken in Russia with similar versions spoken in other European countries like Ukraine and Kazakhstan

76. Indonesian = Selamat Pagi

Formal: Selamat Pagi

How to pronounce it: suh-lah-met-pah-gee

Where to say it: In Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore

77. Filipino = Kumusta

Formal: Kumusta

How to pronounce it: Kooh-moos-tah

Where to say it: In the Philippines. Filipino is known as a more recent version of Tagalog.

78. Australian English = G’day

How to say hello in all languages varies even in one country or one language. Although Australia is an English speaking country, Australians have their own way of saying hello.

Formal: G’day

How to pronounce it: Guh-day

Where to say it: In Australia and in New Zealand

79. Cebuano = Kumusta

Formal: Kumusta

How to pronounce it: Kooh-moos-tah

Where to say it: In the Philippines

80. Maori = Kia Ora

Formal: Kia Ora

How to pronounce it: kee-aow-rah

Where to say it: In New Zealand

81. Tahitian = La Orana

Tahiti is one of France’s territories and as you know, there are different ways to say hello in different languages in same countries. It’s also the case of France!

Formal: La Orana

How to pronounce it: Lah-yo-rah-nah

Where to say it: In Tahiti

82. Bengali = Hyālō

Formal: Hyālō

How to pronounce it: hell-oh

Where to say it: Bengali is the primary language of Bangladesh

83. Tagalog = Kamusta

Formal: Kamusta

How to pronounce it: Kah-moos-tah

Where to say it: Tagalog is the official and first language in the Philippines

84. Uzbek = Salom

Formal: Salom

How to pronounce it: Shah-lohm

Where to say it: In Uzbekistan

85. Azerbaijani = Salam

Formal: Salam

How to pronounce it: Sah-lahm

Where to say it: You can use Salam to say hello in a range of countries such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey in Iran.

86. Nepali = Namaste or Namaskar

Formal: Namaste or Namaskar

How to pronounce it: Nah-mah-stey

Where to say it: In Nepal

87. Fijian = Bula

Formal: Bula

How to pronounce it: Boo-lah

Where to say it: in Fiji

88. Min dong = Nü hou

Formal: Nü hou

How to pronounce it: Noo-hoo

Where to say it: In the South East of China in Fujian

89. Ilokano = Kablaaw

Formal: Kablaaw

How to pronounce it: Kah-blahw

Where to say it: Ilokano is spoken in Northern Luzon in the Philippines.

90. Hmong = Nyob zoo or Tuaj lov

Formal: Nyob zoo or Tuaj lov

How to pronounce it: Neeob zoo or Tooaj lawv

Where to say it: Hmong is spoken in Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and China.

91. Hiligaynon = Hello

Formal: Hello

How to pronounce it: Hello

Where to say it: Hiligaynon is spoken in the Philippines

92. Uyghur = Ässalamu äläykum (ئەسسالامۇ ئەلەيكۇم)

Formal: Ässalamu äläykum (ئەسسالامۇ ئەلەيكۇم)

How to pronounce it: Sah-lahm-ah-lee-koom

Where to say it: Uyghur is spoken mainly in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region but also in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan

Informal: Yahshimusiz

How to pronounce it: YAh-shee-moosiz

93. Minnan hua/ Hokkien = lı́ hó

Formal: lı́ hó

How to pronounce it: lee-ho

Where to say it: Minnan hua is spoken in Fujian, Taiwan, Malaysia and certain parts of Southeast Asia.

94. Balochi = Salam

Formal: Salam

How to pronounce it: Sah-lahm

Where to say it: Balochi is spoken in Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Iran and the Baloch communities.

95. Tongan = Mālō e lelei

Formal: Mālō e lelei

How to pronounce it: Mah-Mag-Low-eh-leh-ee

Where to say it: Tongan is spoken in the South Pacific in Tonga but also in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique

96. Tibetan = Tashi delek (བཀྲ་ཤིས་བདེ་ལེགས།)

Formal: Tashi delek (བཀྲ་ཤིས་བདེ་ལེགས།)

How to pronounce it: Tah-shee-deh-lehk

Where to say it: Tibetan is spoken in Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, in parts of India and Sikkim.

97. Chamorro = Håfa Adai

Formal: Håfa Adai

How to pronounce it: hah-fah-dey

Where to say it: In Guam

98. Tamil = Vaṇakkam (வணக்கம்)

Formal: Vaṇakkam (வணக்கம்)

How to pronounce it: Vah-nuk-hum

Where to say it: Tamil is spoken in the Tamil Nadu State and in Puducherry.

99. Sundanese = Sampurasun

Formal: Sampurasun

How to pronounce it: Sam-poor-ah-suhn

Where to say it: Sundanese is spoken on the island of Java in Indonesia

100. Saraiki = Tudha kaya haal hai saine

Formal: Tudha kaya haal hai saine (meaning “how are you?”)

How to pronounce it: Too-dah-kah-yah-haal-hay-seyne

Where to say it: Saraiki is spoken in the provinces of Southern Punjab and Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Central Pakistan.

101. Kazakh = Dumela mama (when addressing women) or Dumela rra (when addressing men)

Formal: Dumela mama (when addressing women) or Dumela rra (when addressing men)

How to pronounce it: doo-meh-lah

Where to say it: Kazakh is the official language of Kazakhstan

102. Marwari = Khammaghani

Formal: Khammaghani

How to pronounce it: kah-mah-gah-nee

Where to say it: Marwari is spoken in Pakistan but also India. 

Hello in different languages of India

In this section, you’ll learn how to say hello in Indian different languages. If you are traveling to India, you’ll soon realize that people in India say Hello in different Indian languages even in the same regions.

103. Indian = Namaste

Formal: Though there are several different languages in India, if there is only one way to say hello you should remember is Namaste.

How to pronounce it: Nah-mah-ste

Where to say it: Namaste is understood in most of India

104. Khasi = Nga ieid ia phi

Formal: Nga ieid ia phi

How to pronounce it: N-ga-yeiyd-ya-phee

Where to say it: Khasi is mostly spoken in the state of Meghalaya of India by Khasi people. It’s also spoken in Bangladesh and Assam.

105. Oriya = Namaskar

Formal: Namaskar

How to pronounce it: nah-mah-skar

Where to say it: Oriya is spoken in Odisha

106. Bhojpuri = Prannam

Formal: Prannam

How to pronounce it: Prah-nahm

Where to say it: Maithili is spoken in Biha

107. Maithili = Prannam

Formal: Prannam

How to pronounce it: Prah-nahm

Where to say it: Maithili is spoken in Bihar

108. Manipuri = Khurumjari

Formal: Khurumjari

How to pronounce it: kooroom-djaree

Where to say it: Manipuri is spoken in North East India, Burma and Bangladesh

109. Assamese = Nomoskar

Formal: Nomoskar

How to pronounce it: no-mows-kar

Where to say it: Assamese is spoken in Assam

110. Magahi = Subh pyaar (for younger person) and Pernaam (for older person)

Formal: Subh pyaar (for younger person) and Pernaam (for older person)

How to pronounce it: Choob-pee-ahr

Where to say it: Magahi is spoken in Bihar

111. Dogri = Ki haal chal hai

Formal: Ki haal chal hai

How to pronounce it: kee-haal-chahl-hay

Where to say it: Dogri is spoken by over 2 million people in the Indian territories of Jammu and Kashmir.

112. Kokani = Deu boro dis dium

Formal: Deu boro dis dium

How to pronounce it: Deo-boro-dees-dhee-oo

Where to say it: In Goa

113. Santali = Henda ho

Formal: Henda ho

How to pronounce it: Hen-dah-ho

Where to say it: Santali is spoken in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan

114. Urdu = Assalam u alaikum

Formal: Assalam u alaikum

How to pronounce it: ah-sah-lam-ah-lee-koom

Where to say it: In India and Pakistan

115. Punjabi = Sata srī akāla (ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ)

Formal: Sata srī akāla (ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ)

How to pronounce it: sat-ah-sri-ah-kala

Where to say it: Punjabi is spoken in the Punjab region in India and Pakistan. 

116. Telugu = Halō or Vandanalu

Formal: Halō or Vandanalu

How to pronounce it: ha-low / van-dah-nah-loo

Where to say it: You can use Halō or Vandanalu in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.

117. Marathi = Hĕlō or Namaskāra (नमस्कार)

Formal: Hĕlō or Namaskāra (नमस्कार)

How to pronounce it: he-low

Where to say it: Marathi is spoken in Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and in the state of Gujarat.

118. Gujarati = Namaste

Formal: Namaste

How to pronounce it: nah-mahst-he

Where to say it: Gujarati is the official language of Gujarat, an Indian State. It is also spoken in the territories of Dadra, Daman, Diu, and Nagar Haveli. It is spoken by a minority in Pakistan as well.

119. Malayalam = Halēā (ഹലോ)

Formal: Halēā (ഹലോ)

How to pronounce it: ha-le-a

Where to say it: Malayalam is the official language of the union territory of Lakshadweep and the state of Kerala. It is also spoken in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. 

120. Hindi = Namaste

Formal: Namaste

How to pronounce it: nah-mahst-he

Where to say it: How to say hello in different Indian languages depends on where you are. Hindi is mostly spoken in Northern India. Hindi is also spoken in Nepal.

Ways to say hello in other languages in Africa

African people can say hello in different languages. In this section, you’ll learn how to say hello in African languages. Remember also that though you’ll learn how to say hello in different African languages, some of these languages are spoken in a lot of countries like Arabic.

121. Arabic = As-salaam ‘alykum or Ahlan (أهلا)

Formal: As-salaam ‘alykum or Ahlan (أهلا)

How to pronounce it: Ah-sahlam-ah-lee-koom or haa-chlan

Where to say it: Arabic is spoken in over 25 countries over the world including Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar. 

122. Wolof = Salaam aleekum

Formal: Salaam aleekum

How to pronounce it: Sa-laam-a-ley-kum

Where to say it: Wolof is mainly spoken in Senegal, Gambia and Mauritania.

123. Amharic = Salam or Iwi selami newi (እው ሰላም ነው)

Formal: Salam or Iwi selami newi (እው ሰላም ነው)

How to pronounce it: Sah-lahm

Where to say it: in Ethiopia

124. Somali = Salam Alaykum

Formal: Salam Alaykum

How to pronounce it: Sah-lahm ah-lay-koom

Where to say it: in Somalia

125. Tswana = Dumela

Formal: Dumela

How to pronounce it: Dooh-meh-lah

Where to say it: In Botswana and South Africa

126. Kinyarwanda = Muraho Bite

Formal: Muraho Bite

How to pronounce it: muh-rah-ow beet

Where to say it: in Rwanda

127. Swahili = Habari

Formal: Habari

How to pronounce it: haa-mah-ree

Where to say it: In Kenya, Uganda and in Tanzania

128.Afrikaans = Hallo

Formal: Hallo

How to pronounce it: hel-oh

Where to say it: Afrikaans is mostly spoken in South Africa and Namibia. People in Zimbabwe and some in Botswana also speak Afrikaans.

129. Zulu = Sawubona

Formal: Sawubona

How to pronounce it: Sah-woo-boh-nah

Where to say it: Zulu is one of the official languages that people speak in South Africa.

130. Oromo = Akkam

Formal: Akkam

How to pronounce it: ak-ham

Where to say it: Oromo is spoken in a range of countries including Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Egypt.

131. Malagasy = Manao ahoana or Salama

Formal: Manao ahoana or Salama

How to pronounce it: Mah-nah-ow ah-owa-nah or sah-lah-mah

Where to say it: In Madagascar

132. Chichewa = Vanakkam

Formal: Vanakkam

How to pronounce it: vah-nah-kahm

Where to say it: Chichewa is spoken in Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi.

133. Igbo = Ndeewo or Daalụ

Formal: Ndeewo or Daalụ

How to pronounce it: N-dee-woh or Daa-loo

Where to say it: Igbo is spoken in Nigeria

134. Hausa = Sannu

Formal: Sannu

How to pronounce it: Sah-noo

Where to say it: Hausa is a language of trade in West Africa and is spoken in a range of countries including Nigeria; Sudan, Togo, Chad, Cameroon and more.

135. Kirundi = Bwakeye

Formal: Bwakeye

How to pronounce it: Bwa-kay

Where to say it: Kirundi is spoken in Burundi but also in neighbouring countries like Uganda and Congo.

136. Shona = Mhoro

Formal: Mhoro

How to pronounce it: M-horo

Where to say it: Shona is spoken in Zimbabwe

137. Bambara = I ni ce (to one person) or Aw ni ce (to several people)

Formal: I ni ce (to one person) or Aw ni ce (to several people)

How to pronounce it: ee-nee-ceh

Where to say it: Bambara is spoken in Mali

138. Mossi = Ne y windiga

Formal: Ne y windiga

How to pronounce it: neh-ee-ween-dee-gah

Where to say it: Mossi is spoken in Burkina Faso

139. Fula = Mihofnima

Formal: Mihofnima

How to pronounce it: Mee-ho-fee-nah

Where to say it: Fula is spoken in West Africa

140. Xhosa = Mholweni

Formal: Mholweni

How to pronounce it: Mowl-weh-nee

Where to say it: Xhosa is a Bantu language that people speak in South Africa.

141. Sesotho = Dumela

Formal: Dumela

How to pronounce it: Doo-meh-lah

Where to say it: In Lesotho

142. Tsonga = Xewani Avuxeni

Formal: Xewani Avuxeni

How to pronounce it: Xzey-wah-nee Ah-voo-xzeh-nee

Where to say it: In South Africa, parts of Mozambique and Zimbabwe

143. Yoruba = Pẹlẹ o or E nle o

Formal: Pẹlẹ o or E nle o

How to pronounce it:  Peh-leh-oh or eh-nleh-oh

Where to say it: In West Africa including Benin, Chana, and Togo

144. Akan/Twi = Kumno

Formal: Kumno

How to pronounce it: Koo-mnoh

Where to say it: In Ghana and the Ivory Coast

Hello in different languages in the Middle East

145. Pashto = Assalam O Alaikum or Salam (سلام)

Formal: Assalam O Alaikum or Salam

How to pronounce it: Sah-laam

Where to say it: You can use Salam in a lot of countries but Pashto is the official language of Afghanistan. Salam is also used in Pakistan and Iran.

146. Hebrew =  Shalom

Formal: Shalom

How to pronounce it: Shah-lawm

Where to say it: Hebrew is mostly spoken in Israel

147. Persian (Farsi) = Salām

Formal: Salām

How to pronounce it: Sahl-ahm

Where to say it: Farsi is the official language of Iran but is also spoken in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. 

148. Kurdish = Slav or Rojbaş

Formal: Slav or Rojbaş

How to pronounce it: Slaw/Rohch-bach

Where to say it: It is mainly spoken in Kurdistan, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria. 

Ways of saying hello in different languages: Sign language

In this section, we’ll cover the hello sign in different languages.

149. ASL

To say hello in American sign language, place your writing hand on your forehead near your ears. Then move your hand outwards.

150. French Sign Language

To say hello in French sign language, place your fingertips from your writing hand on your chin. Then move your hand outwards.

Hello written in different languages

If you read the first section of this post on how to say hello in multiple languages, you will have noticed differences in hello in different languages written. The translation of Hello can be written with different alphabets, depending on the country you’re looking at:

  • Greek alphabet: The Greek alphabet came to life around the 8th century. It contains 24 Greek letters that use special characters such as β, α and Δ. Note that in Greece, both the Roman and Greek alphabets are used on signs and touristic documentation to allow tourists to understand. 
  • Asian symbols: Asian symbols to write hello in different languages vary depending on the Asian country. The symbols in China are called Hanzi while the symbols in Japanese are called Kanji. Above, we included hello written in Asian languages with the symbols. 
  • Roman Alphabet: The Roman alphabet is the alphabet we use in the West. 
  • Arabic alphabet: The Arabic alphabet contains 29 letters and is written from right to left, in contrary to the Roman or Greek alphabets. It is one of the hardest alphabets to learn unless you are native! In the list of hello in different languages above, we included some translation with the Arabic spelling.

Physical ways to say hello in different languages

Though the different languages to say hello are easily transcribed in writing, you also need to be aware of the types of physical greetings in different languages when you are traveling. For example, shaking hands might be your normal but it might be considered rude in a different country. In this section, we go over a couple of physical ways to say hello in different languages.

  • Shake hands: shaking hands is a common way to say hello in different languages in the West. It used to be seen as rude in certain Asian countries (touching strangers was seen as bizarre, which honestly makes sense) but has become more common with global business developing. 
  • La bise: In France, it is a custom to give one kiss on each cheek to say hello. Called “la bise”, this custom is usually used among family and friends and wouldn’t be used with strangers or at a café. However, there are situations where you will give la bise to someone you don’t know. For example if you are meeting a group of friends and someone brings a new person, you will give that person la bise so they don’t feel left out. The number of kisses on the cheeks also depends where you are from in France. There are parts of France who give three kisses while others give four. 
  • Bowing: In Japan, people often greet others by bowing. The depth of the bow depends on the level of respect you have for the person you are greeting. A nod of the head will be more casual while a bow down to the waist will show a high level of respect.
  • Hug: In the USA or Canada, it is coming for people to hug to greet each other even when they don’t know each other. Hugging people you don’t know would only take place in certain context, for example, if you are meeting your friend’s fiancee. Note that the hug will be distant and not tight. Sometimes it is a hug where you only grab the person to the side as well. 

Why it’s important to know hello in different languages

Though English is spoken by most people in the world nowadays, it is still important to know how to say hello in different languages for many reasons.

First, learning a couple of basic words in the language of the country you’re visiting is a mark of politeness and shows that you are a minimum open to the world. It’s quite easy to be self-centered and expect others to speak English! Learning a couple of easy words like hello shows that you are open-minded and respectful.

Second, it is important to remember that not everyone in the world has access to the same education as you. Juts because you were able to learn English or Spanish at school, doesn’t mean others were too. Knowing how to say hello in other languages has many advantages such as:

  • Being able to connect with locals and showing you are willing to communicate and exchange with them;
  • Knowing how to say hello in the other party’s language will trigger a positive attitude. People will be more prone to help you for example as you are seen as making an effort;
  • Learning a new language is great for the brain!

Hello in different languages chart

Since we couldn’t choose between making a chart of how to say hello in 15 different languages or how to say hello in 7 different languages, we decided to share how to say hello in the 10 most spoken languages in the world in the following chart:

CountryNumber of speakersHow to say hello
English1,132 million speakersHello
Mandarin1,117 million speakersNǐ hǎo (你好)
Hindi615 million speakersNamaste
Spanish534 million speakersHola
French280 million speakersBonjour
Arabic274 million speakersSalam
Bengali265 million speakersHyālō
Russian258 million speakersPrivet
Portuguese234 million speakersBom dia
Indonesian198 million speakersSelamat Pagi

How to say Hello in different languages song

If you have kids and want to teach them how to say hello in different languages with audio, you can use the following songs:

More travel tips you may be interested in:

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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.

We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.

With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.