“Aloha” and Other Ways To Say “Hello” In Different Languages

Blog
14 January 2023
By Sarah Angela Almaden
Japanese House

Unsplash: DDP


“Hello” is the title of a famous song by Adele. And it goes something like this: Hello, it’s me. I was wondering if after all these years you’d like to meet. To go over everything. They say time’s supposed to heal ya, but I ain’t done much healing. Hello, can you hear me? ”

Japanese House

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“Hello” is also the title of another famous song by Lionel Richie and the lyrics go something like this: Hello, is it me you’re looking for? ‘Cause I wonder where you are and I wonder what you do. Are you somewhere feeling lonely or is someone loving you? Tell me how to win your heart, for I haven’t got a clue. But let me start by saying, I love you.

Japanese House

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Wow, both English songs are such earworms that as soon as you read the lyrics, the music starts to play in your head. Isn’t that quite powerful? Well, in all fairness, these tunes are truly unforgettable just like the simple and friendly “hello.” This five-letter word is an effortless way to greet and connect with others around you and the world. And if you’re wondering how to say “hello” in different languages, then we’ve got you covered.

Disclaimer: This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it gives you a taste of the many ways you can greet people from around the world. Keep in mind that in many cultures, it's also important to pay attention to the formal and informal ways of saying “hello,” based on the relationship you have with the person you are talking to. This can make a big difference when speaking in business or in more formal situations.

  • Esperanto: Saluton
  • Dutch: Hoi
  • Tagalog: Kumusta
  • Brazilian Portuguese: Oi
  • Hawaiian: Aloha
  • Maori: Kia ora
  • Hindi: नमस्ते (namaste)
  • Hungarian: Szia
  • Icelandic:
  • Swedish: Hej
  • Turkish: Merhaba
  • Norwegian: Hei
  • Polish: Cześć
  • Tongan: Mālō e lelei
  • Korean: 안녕하세요 (annyeong haseo)
  • Indonesian: Hai
  • Italian: Ciao
  • Spanish: Hola
  • Czech: Ahoj
  • French: Salut
  • German: Hallo
  • Bosnian: Zdravo
  • Danish: Goddag
  • Swahili: Shikamoo
  • European Portuguese: Olá
  • Albanian: Përshëndetje
  • Basque: Kaixo
  • Finnish: Hei
  • Hungarian: Szia
  • Igbo: Ndewo
  • Khmer: Suostei (សួស្តី)
  • Samoan: Talofa
  • Ukrainian: Privit (привіт)
  • Vietnamese: Xin chào
  • Pirate: Ahoy
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