How greeting is done in various languages
The definition of a greeting is a word or movement to welcome someone. An example of a greeting is the phrase, “Hello!. The greeting is an act of communication in which human beings intentionally make their presence known to each other, to show attention to, and to suggest a type of relationship (usually cordial) or social status (formal or informal) between individuals or groups of people coming in contact with each other.
Here are a few commonly used greetings or phrases I have noted down. I’ve included translations for Hindi, German, French, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish and Italian.
Let’s get started!
1) Thanks
The number one word you should learn to say before visiting any country is “thanks”. It’s polite and people will appreciate the effort you’ve made to acknowledge them in their own language.
- Hindi: Dhanyavad
- Bengali: Dhanyabaad
- German: Danke
- French: Merci
- Mandarin Chinese: Xièxie
- Spanish: Gracias
- Italian: Grazie
2) I'm Sorry
For the sake of good manners, it’s good to know how to say sorry. You can say it when moving through a crowd, or when a general apology is required.
- German: Es tut mir leid – “I am sorry” or Entschuldigung – “excuse me”
- French: Je suis désolé (for male speakers), Je suis désolée (for female speakers) or pardon
- Mandarin Chinese: Duìbùqĭ or bù hǎoyìsi
- Spanish: Lo siento or perdón
- Italian: Mi dispiace or perdono
- Hindi: Mujhe maaf kardo/ Mujhse galti ho gayi.
3) Hell
What’s the first thing to do when initiating a conversation? You greet them, like so:
- German: Hallo
- French: Bonjour
- Mandarin Chinese: Nǐ hǎo
- Spanish: Hola
- Italian: Ciao
- Hindi/ Marathi: Namaste, Namaskar
- Italian: Quanto costa/costano? (singular/plural)
4) Yes
“Yes” is one of the simplest words to learn and it helps that it tends to remain constant across many Romance languages.
- German: Ja
- French: Oui
- Mandarin Chinese: Shì (Technically there is no word for “yes” in Mandarin, but in many cases ‘it is’ works – otherwise, you’d repeat the verb of the question)
- Spanish: Sí
- Italian: Sì
- Hindi: Ha
5) No
Why would you learn how to say “yes” without learning the translation for “no”?
- German: Nein
- French: Non
- Mandarin Chinese: Bú shì (Similarly to yes, as explained above, this actually means ‘it isn’t’, as there’s no single word for ‘no’ in Mandarin. If you put bù (‘not`) before the verb in question that tends to be what you need)
- Spanish: No
- Italian: No
- Hindi: Nahi/ na
6) I am
“I am” is a much better phrase to learn than “My name is…”. Why? You can apply it to a range of topics – not only your name but your job, nationality and many other things. It’s the perfect phrase to use with Tarzan speak.
- German: Ich bin…
- French: Je suis…
- Mandarin Chinese: Wǒ shì…
- Spanish: Soy…
- Italian: Io sono…
7) What’s your name?
After you’ve introduced yourself, you’ll want to know how to ask for an introduction in return.
- German: Wie heißen Sie? (formal) or Wie heißt du? (informal)
- French: Comment vous appelez-vous ? (formal) or Comment tu t’appelles ? (informal)
- Mandarin Chinese: Nǐ guìxìng? (formal) Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi? (informal)
- Spanish: ¿Cómo se llama usted? (formal) or ¿Cómo te llamas? (informal)
- Italian: Lei come si chiama? (formal) or Tu come ti chiami? (informal)
8) How are you
If you find yourself in conversation with a local, it’s a mark of common decency to ask how they are. I find that people across many different cultures who work in service roles really appreciate it when you take the time to ask how they’re doing.
- German: Wie geht es dir?
- French: Comment allez-vous ? or the informal Ça va ?
- Mandarin Chinese: Nǐ hǎo ma? (While this is technically correct, you’re more likely to hear something along the lines of Nǐ zuìjìn zěnme yàng? – How have you been lately?)
- Spanish: ¿Cómo estás?
- Italian: Come stai?
9) Great
Quick, go-to response if someone asks how you’re doing.
- German: Mir geht es großartig! – “I am great!”
- French: Ça va bien ! – “I am good!”
- Mandarin Chinese: Wǒ hěn hǎo!
- Spanish: Bien
- Italian: Bene!
10) Sorry, I Don’t Understand
If you’re having issues communicating with a native speaker – tell them!
- German: Entschuldigung, das verstehe ich nicht.
- French: Je suis désolé, je ne comprends pas. (for male speaker) Je suis désolée, je ne comprends pas. (for female speakers)
- Mandarin Chinese: Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ tīng bù dǒng.
- Spanish: Lo siento, no entiendo.
- Italian: Mi dispiace, non capisco.
11) Where is (the)…?
You’re navigating a new country. Chances are, you’ll get lost now and again. Don’t be afraid to ask a local for directions. Even if you can’t follow their directions, you can get them to show you your destination on a map.
- German: Wo ist (der/die/das)…?
- French: Où est (le/la)…
- Mandarin Chinese: … zài nǎlǐ?
- Spanish: Dónde está (el/la)…
- Italian: Dov’è (il/la)…
11) Goodbye
Another phrase that’s really good to know.
- German: Auf Wiedersehen (formal) or Tschüss (informal)
- French: Au revoir
- Mandarin Chinese: Zàijiàn
- Spanish: Adiós
- Italian: Arrivederla/ci
- Hindi: Alvida
With these words and phrases in your pocket, you’ll endear yourself to the locals, and you’ll have a more authentic experience.
Speaking even a tiny bit of a foreign language makes you feel more thoughtful, widens your world view, gives you buckets of self-confidence… and it’s addictive. Once you’ve had a taste of talking with someone in a language that isn’t your own, it can be really hard to stop!
If you wish to learn any language right from the basics or even its advanced level, Multibhashi Language Learning Sessions are an excellent solution.
If you are willing to learn a new language or even wish to try this source of knowledge!
Please click on the button below to know more about our online course!
