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How to Say Hello in 100 Different Languages
Want to learn how to say hello in different languages? I’ll teach you how!
Before you visit a country, it’s smart to learn how to say hello. After travelling to over 30 countries, I’ve learned how to say hello in a lot of languages so I can chat with locals and greet the baristas at the local coffee shop.
Even if you’re terrible at learning languages, it’s easy to pick up a few words. Hello, please, thank you, and how are you are great terms to know so you can start a conversation with anyone around the world and quickly find a new friend. People will appreciate the effort, even if you don’t know more.
My first language was actually Serbian, but since I lost it when my grandma stopped babysitting me, I’ve always struggled to master grammar rules in other languages. But it’s very easy to pick up a few words and be able to communicate.
It’ll empower you – especially if you’re traveling alone – and help you meet people who can help you practice the language.
I couldn’t cover every language.
But I have covered hello in 100 languages so you’ll be set in almost every country around the world. I organized them by popularity according to the most spoken languages in the world and reached out to locals/native speakers to double check pronunciations.
Use this guide to say hello around the world, learn where you should say them, and how to pronounce them. You’ll be able to greet people in every continent!
Hello in Different Languages with Pronunciation
1. English: Hello
Where to Say It: The second most spoken language in the world, it’s an international language for solo travellers to use and be understood. It’s the official language of Canada, the UK, the United States, Australia, New Zealand.
How to Pronounce it: huh-lOH
2. French: Bonjour
Where to Say It: Most popular in France, French is also widely spoken in other countries around the world. You’ll be understood in Quebec and most of Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, Morocco, Tunisia, and Alergia. Additionally, French is spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Guinea, Gabon, and Mauritius. You’ll want to pick up a phrasebook to help with the complex grammar.
How to Pronounce it: bon-ZHOOR
3. Spanish: Hola
Where to Say It: Spanish is the native language of Spain and Mexico. In most of South America and Central America, Spanish is the primary language. It is also the second most common language in the United States.
How to Pronounce it: OH-laa
4. Italian: Ciao
Where to Say It: Say ciao on your way to get an espresso in Italy.
How to Pronounce it: chau
5. Portugese: Olá
Where to Say It: Portuguese is the language of Portugal and Brazil. It is still spoken in former colonies, like Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Sao Tome, and Macau. You’ll also find linguistic roots in the Philippines.
How to Pronounce it: oh-LAA
6. Maori: Kia Ora
Where to Say It: Kia Ora is the traditional greeting of the indigenous peoples of New Zealand.
How to Pronounce it: ki-ao-ra
7. Australian: G’day
Where to Say It: This informal greeting is used in Australia and New Zealand to say good day or hello.
How to Pronounce it: guh-day
8. Greek: Geia (γεια)
Where to Say It: One of the many ways to say hello in the Greek language is geia. It can be used to greet people in Greece and Cyprus.
How to Pronounce it: ya
9. Serbian: Zdravo
Where to Say It: This Slavic language is spoken in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Croatia. It is similar to many other Slavic languages.
How to Pronounce it: ZDRAH-voh
10. Croatian: Zdravo
Where to Say It: Croatian is best used in Croatia, but is also spoken in some parts of Bosnia and Serbia.
How to Pronounce it: ZDRAH-voh
11. Russian: Privet
Where to Say It: Russian is the most common language in Eastern Europe. Say privet in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and other Eastern European countries.
How to Pronounce it: pree-VYEHT
12. Mandarin: Nǐ hǎo
Where to Say It: As the most spoken language in the world, it’s useful to know how to say hello in this language everywhere. It’s primarily spoken in China. If you’re visiting, you should pick up some books to learn Chinese Madarin before you arrive.
How to Pronounce it: nee haow
13. Cantonese: Nǐ hǎo
Where to Say It: Many people think “Chinese” is a language, but Cantonese and Mandarin are very different. Cantonese is mostly spoken in Southern China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
How to Pronounce it: nie haow
14. Hindi: Namaste
Where to Say It: Hindi is one of the official languages of India, but is most commonly spoken in Northern India. You’ll also be understood in Nepal or in any yoga class.
How to Pronounce it: nah-mah-steh
15. Japanese: Kon’nichiwa
Where to Say It: This is an all day greeting in Japan.
How to Pronounce it: kohn-nee-chee-wah
16. Turkish: Merhaba
Where to Say It: Turkish is spoken in Turkey and Cyprus. You’ll also find it in parts of Azerbaijan.
How to Pronounce it: mehr-hah-bah
17. Korean: Anyeong Haseyo
Where to Say It: North Korea and South Korea.
How to Pronounce it: AHN-young-ha-say-yo
18. Slovak: Ahoj
Where to Say It: Primarily spoken in Slovakia.
How to Pronounce it: AH-hoy
19. German: Guten tag
Where to Say It: Greet people this way in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
How to Pronounce it: goo-tenn tahk
20. Dutch: Hallo
Where to Say It: Spoken by millions in the Netherlands and northern Belgium.
How to Pronounce it: HAAL-oo
21. Polish: Cześć
Where to Say It: The official language of Poland, Polish is said to be one of the hardest languages to learn.
How to Pronounce it: cheshch
22. Thai: S̄wạs̄dī
Where to Say It: Sole language of Thailand.
How to Pronounce it: sa-wat-dii
23. Hungarian: Szia
Where to Say It: Hungary is mostly spoken in Hungary, but parts of the Balkans also speak it.
How to Pronounce it: SEE-ah
24. Czech: Ahoj
Where to Say It: Mainly spoken in the Czech Republic.
How to Pronounce it: AH-hoy
25. Bengali: Hyālō
Where to Say It: The official language of Bangladesh.
How to Pronounce it: hel-oh
26. Urdu: Assalam u Alaikum
Where to Say It: National language of Pakistan, with similarities to the Hindi language.
How to Pronounce it: as-salam-u lay-kuhm
27. Persian: Salām
Where to Say It: Persian or Farsi is spoken is Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Bahrain.
How to Pronounce it: saol-am
28. Ukrainian: Dobryj Den
Where to Say It: Spoken in the Ukraine.
How to Pronounce it: DOH-brihy dehn
29. Swedish: Hallå
Where to Say It: Language of Sweden and the Aland Islands.
How to Pronounce it: hal-oa
30. Afrikaans: Hallo
Where to Say It: Say good morning this way in South Africa and Namibia. Some parts of Botswana and Zimbabwe also speak Afrikans.
How to Pronounce it: hel-OH
31. Romanian: Bunâ
Where to Say It: Spoken in Romania and Moldova.
How to Pronounce it: boo-na
32. Hebrew: Shalom
Where to Say It: Historically, the language of those in Israel and of the Jewish faith.
How to Pronounce it: shah-LOHM
33. Armenian: Barev
Where to Say It: Republic of Armenia and in Armenian Diaspora communities.
How to Pronounce it: bah-REV
34. Arabic: Marhabaan
Where to Say It: There are many dialects of Arabic throughout North Africa and the Middle East. Say hell in this Arabic in Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Western Sahara, and Yemen.
How to Pronounce it: mur-hah-bahn
35. Punjabi: Sata Srī Akāla
Where to Say It: This 10th most spoken language in the world is a language spoken in India.
How to Pronounce it: saht sree ah-kahl
36. Javanese: Halo
Where to Say It: Spoken in Java, Indonesia.
How to Pronounce it: hah-low
37. Malay/Indonesian: Selamat Pagi
Where to Say It: You’ll find this language in Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. It is the official language of Malaysia and Brunei.
How to Pronounce it: suh-lah-met pah-gee
38. Vietnamese: Xin Chào
Where to Say It: Primarily spoken in Vietnam.
How to Pronounce it: sin CHOW
39. Basque: Kaixo
Where to Say It: Spoken in the Basque regions of Spain, located in Northern Spain and Southern France.
How to Pronounce it: kia-show
40. Bavarian: Servus
Where to Say It: Regional dialect in Bavaria, Germany and Western Austria.
How to Pronounce it: SER-VOOS
41. Tagalog: Kamusta
Where to Say It: Tagalog is the primary language of the Philippines.
How to Pronounce it: kuh-moos-tah
42. Swahili: Jambo
Where to Say It: Swahili is mainly in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. It is the secondary language in East Africa.
How to Pronounce it: jam-BOH
43. Uzbek: Salom
Where to Say It: Uzbek is the national language of Uzebekistan.
How to Pronounce it: shah-lohm
44. Azerbaijani: Salam
Where to Say It: Say hello this way in Azerbaijan. You’ll also find it in Northern Iran, southern Dagestan, Kvemo Kartli in Georgia, Eastern Turkey, and some parts of Iraq.
How to Pronounce it: sal-aam
45. Kurdish: Slav
Where to Say It: Spoken by 30 million people in Western Asian, including Kurdistan, Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and Syria.
How to Pronounce it: slaw
46. Nepali: Namaste
Where to Say It: Sole language of Nepal and one of the languages of India.
How to Pronounce it: nah-mahs-teh
47. Haitian Creole: Bonjou
Where to Say It: Spoken in Haiti, along with French.
How to Pronounce it: BON-joo
48. Belarusian: Dobry Dzień
Where to Say It: Spoken in Belarus and parts of Russia, Ukraine, and Poland.
How to Pronounce it: DOH-brihy dehn
49. Chichewa: Moni
Where to Say It: Also called Nyanja, this Bantu language is spoken in Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
How to Pronounce it: mooni
50. Fijian: Bula
Where to Say It: Native language of Fiji.
How to Pronounce it: mbula
51. Hawaiian: Aloha
Where to Say It: Spoken in Hawaii.
How to Pronounce it: AH-low-ha
52. Samoan: Tālofa
Where to Say It: Greet people in the Samoan Islands this way.
How to Pronounce it: tah-low-fah
53. Tongan: Mālō e lelei
Where to Say It: Language of the Kingdom of Tonga.
How to Pronounce it: mah-lo eh lei-lei
54. Yiddish: A Gutn Tog
Where to Say It: Historical language of the Ashkenazi Jewish peoples.
How to Pronounce it: a goo-ten tawg
55. Welsh: S’mae
Where to Say It: Spoken in Wales and routinely mocked in greater Britain for its abundance of consonants.
How to Pronounce it: shoe-my
56. Norwegian: Hei
Where to Say It: Norway.
How to Pronounce it: hay
57. Lithuanian: Sveiki
Where to Say It: Lithuania.
How to Pronounce it: SVEH-kii
58. Latvian: Sveika (male) Sveiks (female)
Where to Say It: Official language of Latvia.
How to Pronounce it: SVYEH-kah or SVYEH-eeks
59. Icelandic: Halló
Where to Say It: Spoken only in Iceland.
How to Pronounce it: hal-law
60. Scottish Gaelic: Halò
Where to Say It: Native to the Gaels of Scotland. It is now rarely spoken in Scotland.
How to Pronounce it: ha-LAW
61. Irish: Dia Duit
Where to Say It: The Irish Gaelic language is spoken in Ireland.
How to Pronounce it: DEE-ah GHWIT
62. Estonian: Tere
Where to Say It: Estonia.
How to Pronounce it: TEHR-reh
63. Bosnian: Zdravo
Where to Say It: Bosnia.
How to Pronounce it: ZDRAH-voh
64. Tibetan: Tashi Delek
Where to Say It: Official language of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China. Spoken across the Himalayas.
How to Pronounce it: tah-shee del-ek
65. Lao: Sabaidee
Where to Say It: Main language of Laos.
How to Pronounce it: sa-baai-di
66. Georgian: Gamarjoba
Where to Say It: Georgia (the country, not the US state).
How to Pronounce it: gah-mahr-joh-bah
67. Sesotho: Dumela
Where to Say It: Basotho in Lesotho, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
How to Pronounce it: doo-meh-lah
68. Esperanto: Saluton
Where to Say It: Artificial language created to be a widely spoken language in the world.
How to Pronounce it: sahl-oo-tohn
69. Maltese: Bongu
Where to Say It: Malta, Gozo, and Comino in the Mediterranean.
How to Pronounce it: BON-joo
70. Bahaman: Hello
Where to Say It: Bahamas.
How to Pronounce it: hel-low
71. Igbo: Nde-ewo
Where to Say It: Nigeria.
How to Pronounce it: n-day-wo
72. Luxembourgish: Moïen
Where to Say It: Luxembourg.
How to Pronounce it: MOY-en
73. Navajo: Ya’at’eeh
Where to Say It: Southwestern United States by the Navajo peoples.
How to Pronounce it: yah-tah-hey
74. Swiss German: Grüezi
Where to Say It: Upper German dialect name that’s spoken in Switzerland, Lichtenstein, parts of Germany, and Alsace, France.
How to Pronounce it: groo-tsi
75. Tahitian: Ia Orana
Where to Say It: Spoken in the Society Islands in French Polynesia.
How to Pronounce it: ee-ah oh-rah-na
76. Albanian: Përshëndetje
Where to Say It: Albanian is the predominant language of Albania and Kosovo. You will find it in other regions of the Balkans as well.
How to Pronounce it: per-shen-DEAT-ye
77. Catalan: Hola
Where to Say It: Official language of Andorra and the co-official language of some Spanish communities, like Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.
How to Pronounce it: OH-laa
78. Galician: Ola
Where to Say It: Northwestern Spain.
How to Pronounce it: oh-LAA
79. Mongolian: Sain uu
Where to Say It: Mongolia, parts of Russia, and parts of Kyrgyzstan.
How to Pronounce it: say-noo
80. Wolof: Salaam Aleekum
Where to Say It: Senegal.
How to Pronounce it: sah-laam
81. Wu (Shanghainese): Nóng gō
Where to Say It: A variety of Wu Chinese spoken in the city of Shanghai and its surrounding areas.
How to Pronounce it: nong haw
82. Tamil: Vanakkam
Where to Say It: Southern India, Sri Lanka, and Singapore.
How to Pronounce it: vaa–NAK–kam
83. Pashto: Salam
Where to Say It: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran.
How to Pronounce it: sah-laam
84. Kannada: Namaskāra
Where to Say It: Southwestern India.
How to Pronounce it: nah-mahs-KAR
85. Hausa: Sannu
Where to Say It: Hausa is the native language of Niger and Northern Nigeria. It is also used in some countries in West and Central Africa.
How to Pronounce it: san-NU
86. Burmese: Mingalaba
Where to Say It: Myanmar, especially by the Bamar people.
How to Pronounce it: meen-gah LA-ba
87. Amharic: Selam
Where to Say It: This is an informal way to say hello in the Amharic language. It’s the language of Ethiopia, where hello also means “peace be with you”. You can also use it in Egypt and Eritrea.
How to Pronounce it: sah-lam
88. Breton: Demat
Where to Say It: Brittany in the Northwest of France.
How to Pronounce it: de-MAT
89. Oromo: Akkam
Where to Say It: This Cushitic language is spoken by millions in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Egypt.
How to Pronounce it: akk-ham
90. Manipuri: Khurumjari
Where to Say It: Manipur in India.
How to Pronounce it: koo-rum-jar-ee
91. Cebuano: Kumusta
Where to Say It: The Philippines.
How to Pronounce it: kuh-moos-tah
92. Malagasy: Salama
Where to Say It: Madagascar.
How to Pronounce it: sah-LAHM-ah
93. Santali: Henda ho
Where to Say It: West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Orissa in India.
How to Pronounce it: hen-DAH ho
94. Khmer: Choum Reap Sor
Where to Say It: Cambodia.
How to Pronounce it: jum reap sour
Considering Moving Abroad? Find Out Which Country is Right for You!
95. Sinhalese: Ayubowan
Where to Say It: Sri Lanka.
How to Pronounce it: ah-yuh-boh-van
96. Somali: Salam Alaykum
Where to Say It: Somalia.
How to Pronounce it: sah-LAMM ah-lay-KUM
97. Taiwanese Hokkien: Li-hó
Where to Say It: Taiwan.
How to Pronounce it: lee-hoh
98. Tswana: Dumela
Where to Say It: Botswana and South Africa.
How to Pronounce it: doo-meh-lah
99. Quechua: Allianchu
Where to Say It: Peru.
How to Pronounce it: eye-ee-anch-oo
100. Xhosa: Molweni
Where to Say It: Bantu language of South Africa.
How to Pronounce it: mol-when-ii
Closing Thoughts on Saying Hello in Every Language
After reading this guide you can now greet over 70% of the people on the planet! That’s a pretty great addition to any digital nomad CV.
Get ready to start your solo travel journey on the right foot, by being able to interact with others freely.
While I don’t know how to say hello in all languages, knowing these 100 has helped me make friends across the globe. I’ve been able to interact with local women in Morocco and my host family in Austria.
By knowing these greetings in different languages, I was able to make more unique connections with locals.
Practice more languages with iTalki! iTalki will help you get ready to move abroad to any country by learning the language.
Get connected with real people who will help you learn a new language like you would while living abroad.
If I missed any greetings in different languages you recommend, let me know in the comments so I can expand this list and we can grow our ability to connect with the world.
Now go into the world and stay saying hello in all the different languages you now know!
Click here to get started with iTalki today!
Read More About Languages Abroad
- How to Say Hello in 100 Different Languages
- How to Say Yes and No in 100 Different Languages
- How to Say How Are You in 100 Different Languages
- How to Say Goodbye in 100 Different Languages
- How to Say Thank You in 100 Different Languages
- How to Say Cheers in 100 Different Languages + Pronunciation
- How to Say I Love You in 100 Different Languages
- New Zealand Slang: From Sweet As to Swear Words
- Guide to 100+ Canadian Slang: Unique Canadian Sayings and Phrases You Need to Know
- How to Say Water in 100 Different Languages + Pronunciations
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Pin This for Later!
Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
