How Do You Say “Hi” in French? 🇫🇷

A simple guide to one of the most useful little words in French.

One of the easiest moments to conquer when learning a language is the first time you greet someone in that language. If you're learning French, one of the first words you'll want to know is how to say “hi”. Luckily, it's short and simple.

The word for “hi” in French

The word “hi” in French is:

You can use salut when greeting friends, family members, classmates, or people you know well.

Watch the video lesson

Prefer to learn with me? Watch this short lesson:

Salut can also mean “bye”

Here's something useful: salut doesn't only mean hi.

It can also mean bye.

So, salut can mean both hi and bye, depending on the situation.

A little confidence boost

I remember getting very nervous about even saying hello to somebody in French when I first started learning the language.

Being nervous is completely normal when learning a foreign language because you're vulnerable.

It's almost like walking into a room full of established musicians when all you've got is a triangle. You know how to say one thing, but your brain starts saying:

“Wait! What if they think I can say more than I can? What if they ask me something and I don't understand? What if I look like a fool?”

Honestly, everybody goes through that thought process.

The truth is, you can get used to feeling a bit foolish. The more it happens, the more normal it becomes.

I try to learn new languages all the time now, and I actually love testing them out. The nerves don't completely disappear, but they stop defining who you are.

You realise that you can simply acknowledge them, ignore them, and push through anyway.

Why this word matters

There are some words you'll learn that only get used once in a blue moon.

Salut isn't one of them.

You'll hear it and use it all the time in French-speaking countries.

Eventually, it starts to sound strange not to use salut or bonjour when greeting somebody in French.