French Phrase
Salut!
Meaning
‘Salut’ is an informal French greeting used to say hello (and sometimes goodbye) among friends, family, or peers. It conveys a friendly, relaxed tone and is equivalent to the English ‘Hi’ or ‘Hey’. It literally means ‘health’, but in everyday speech it functions purely as a greeting.
When to use
Use ‘Salut’ when you’re meeting someone you know well, entering a casual setting, or texting a friend. Avoid it in formal situations such as business meetings, with strangers you don’t know, or when addressing someone older in a respectful context.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Salut
Interjection
‘Salut’ functions as an interjection, not a verb or noun in this context, so it stands alone without a subject or object.
Informal Register
It belongs to the informal register; in formal contexts you would use ‘Bonjour’ (good day) or ‘Bonsoir’ (good evening).
Dual Use
Besides greeting, ‘Salut’ can also be used to say goodbye informally, similar to ‘Bye’ in English.
🗨In Conversation
Salut!
Hi!
Salut, ça va?
Hi, how are you?
✕Common Mistakes
Salut, Monsieur Dupont.
Avoid using ‘Salut’ in formal or professional settings; it can be seen as disrespectful.
Salut, je suis content de te voir.
Do not add a verb after ‘Salut’; it stands alone as a greeting.
Je te souhaite un salut.
Do not confuse the greeting with the noun ‘salut’ meaning ‘health’; the context changes the meaning.
↔Alternatives
Bonjour!
Hello! (formal or neutral)
Coucou!
Hey! (very informal, playful)
Hey!
Hey! (borrowed from English, casual)
Salut, ça va?
Hi, how’s it going?
Cultural Tip
In France, greetings are often accompanied by a light kiss on each cheek (la bise) among close friends or family, but a handshake is typical in more formal or business settings. ‘Salut’ is usually reserved for people you would greet with a kiss or a casual wave. Also, be aware that in some regions (e.g., Quebec) ‘Salut’ is used more broadly, even in semi‑formal contexts, but in metropolitan France it remains strictly informal.