How to Say Hello in Different Languages with Pronunciation (150 Languages)
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!
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:
- All the ways to say cheers in French
- How to say good morning in French
- How to say no in French
- How to say nice to meet you in French
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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:
| Country | Number of speakers | How to say hello |
| English | 1,132 million speakers | Hello |
| Mandarin | 1,117 million speakers | Nǐ hǎo (你好) |
| Hindi | 615 million speakers | Namaste |
| Spanish | 534 million speakers | Hola |
| French | 280 million speakers | Bonjour |
| Arabic | 274 million speakers | Salam |
| Bengali | 265 million speakers | Hyālō |
| Russian | 258 million speakers | Privet |
| Portuguese | 234 million speakers | Bom dia |
| Indonesian | 198 million speakers | Selamat 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:
- how to say hello in different languages audio song number 1
- how to say hello in different languages audio song number 2
More travel tips you may be interested in:
– SAVE THIS POST –
Any questions on saying hello in different languages? Then drop them in the comments or on insta @twolostexplorers and I will get back to you asap.
Did you like this post? If you liked this post, then don’t hesitate to share it by using the share buttons on the side.
Want to save this post? You can pin the following images on pinterest to save this post.
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.
7 Comments