Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Greetings are the gateway to cultural connection. Here are common informal/formal "hello" equivalents across major languages, with pronunciation guides.
| Language | Greeting | Pronunciation / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Hello / Hi | Universal default |
| Spanish | Hola | OH-lah (silent H) |
| French | Bonjour | bohn-ZHOOR (formal); Salut (informal) |
| German | Hallo / Guten Tag | HAH-loh / GOO-ten tahk |
| Italian | Ciao / Buongiorno | chow (informal, also bye) / bwohn-JOR-noh |
| Portuguese | Olá / Bom dia | oh-LAH / bohng JEE-ah (Brazil) |
| Russian | Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuyte) | zdrahst-VOO-tyeh (formal); Привет (Privet) informal |
| Mandarin Chinese | 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) | nee how (rising then dipping tone) |
| Japanese | こんにちは (Konnichiwa) | koh-nee-chee-wah (daytime) |
| Korean | 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) | ahn-nyong-hah-seh-yoh (polite) |
| Arabic | مرحبًا (Marhaba) | mar-HAH-bah (universal); صباح الخير (Sabah al-khayr) = Good morning |
| Hindi | नमस्ते (Namaste) | nuh-MUSS-tay (hands folded, respectful) |
| Swahili | Hujambo / Jambo | hoo-JAHM-boh / JAHM-boh (tourist shorthand) |
| Zulu | Sawubona | sah-woo-BOH-nah (to one); Sanibonani (to group) |
Tip: In many cultures, greeting elders/superiors first and using the formal version is essential etiquette.