How to Say ‘Hello’ in Different Languages

As far as human expressions go, it doesn’t get much more basic than, “Hello!” There are literally thousands of languages across the globe, and each one has its unique way of greeting another person as a simple gesture of goodwill or as the ultimate icebreaker to start a conversation.At Pimsleur, we’ve taught more than a few people to say hello in different languages – and the conversations that follow this universal word. Our learners have acquired endless ways to say hello in different languages from across the globe, so why not share the knowledge? This article will include a hello in different languages list, along with some reasoning on why anyone should be open to learning this word in as many tongues as possible!

Why Learn to Say Hello in Different Languages?

Why learn a new language? Aside from the personal or professional benefits, people study new languages in order to have conversations with native speakers. And if you’re going to speak with someone from, say, Spain, you have to start the dialogue somehow.

What better way to begin the banter than with hello? Whether you’re planning a trip abroad to Europe or would like to connect with a friend or relative who speaks another language, you simply HAVE to learn how to say hello – preferably in many different languages!And once you learn hello, you’re inspired to learn much more. While getting conversations started is important, it’s also critical to keep the discussion flowing. For anyone looking to speak a foreign language conversationally, the Pimsleur Method – our unique, proprietary technique for effective language learning – can have you speaking a new language conversationally in just weeks. And after your first lesson, you’ll be able to say basic words and phrases…including hello!

How to Say Hello in Different Languages

When you learn a new language, saying hello is one of the first expressions you’ll acquire. In your native language, uttering this phrase is as natural as breathing. But hello in different languages isn’t exactly second nature for novice learners. That’s just one reason why we’re providing 20 ways to say hello in different languages. Another reason? It’s a sure-fire way to pique curiosity, so you’ll want to learn as much as you can!Without further ado, here’s the classic greeting “hello” in multiple languages. For languages that don’t use a Roman alphabet, we’re providing the transliteration – or the approximate pronunciation using Roman characters. Transliteration is italicized.

Unique Ways to Say Hello Around the World

The ways to say hello in different languages above are all verbal expressions. In other countries and cultures, greetings expand beyond words into gestures, expressions, and even hand-clapping!

Here are some unique ways locals say hello in different languages and cultures:

• Wave hello with your…nose?: Some people like to say hello from afar. That’s not the case in a few Arabic countries. In Yemen, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, people greet others by bumping noses!
• A round of applause, please: In Mozambique and Zimbabwe, saying hello is worth clapping for. The person saying hello claps once, and the recipient of the greeting responds with a pair of claps.

A heart-to-heart hello: Of all the ways to say hello in different languages and cultures, Malaysia gets the nod for most sentimental. A typical Malaysian method of greeting involves gently holding the other person’s hands, letting go, and putting your own hands across your heart. This super-friendly, heartfelt gesture may have a calming effect on the country – it’s commonly among the least crime-ridden countries in the world!

Expanding Beyond “Hello”: Building Connections Across Cultures

Pimsleur ensures you’ll learn any language conversationally, from hello to goodbye and every word in between. If you want to learn how to say hello in different languages, our All Access subscription offers instant access to our entire library catalog. Just interested in learning one language? The Premium subscription is for you.

Whatever you choose, you’ll go forth with the confidence that comes with learning any language how it’s supposed to be acquired – by listening and speaking your way to success.

Curious about learning other words besides hello in multiple languages? Sign up with Pimsleur today!