How to say “Hello” in Classical Latin
The most common way to say “hello” in Classical Latin. Tap to copy or hear it pronounced.
salve
In a sentence
English
Hello, how are you?
Classical Latin
salve, ut vales?
Frequently asked
How do you say "Hello" in Classical Latin?
"Hello" in Classical Latin is "salve". This is the most common everyday rendering; depending on context, formal/informal or dialectal variants may apply.
How is "salve" written in Classical Latin?
"salve" is the standard written form in Classical Latin, rendered left-to-right.
How do you pronounce "salve" in Classical Latin?
Tap the speaker icon on this page to hear "salve" pronounced by a native-style synthetic voice. For practice, repeat the phrase out loud immediately after listening — the rhythm and stress are usually what trips learners up, not the individual sounds.
What does "salve" mean in English?
"salve" is the Classical Latin way of saying "Hello" in English. It's used in everyday conversation in roughly the same situations as the English original.
Are there formal or informal ways to say "Hello" in Classical Latin?
Many languages — including Classical Latin — distinguish formal and informal registers, and may also vary by speaker gender, plurality, or regional dialect. "salve" is the most broadly understood form; for register-specific variants, use the full translator above with your exact sentence.