French word

allô

Pronunciation

IPA/alo/

Meaning

  • interjectionhello

Example

Je dis allô quand je réponds au téléphone.

I say hello when I answer the phone.

Illustration for allô (hello)

More examples

Allô, tu es là ?

Hello, are you there?

Core concept

A brief spoken signal that the telephone connection is open and the speaker is listening.

Common phrases

  • dire allô à quelqu'un

    say hello to someone

Similar words

bonjour: A polite greeting used from morning through late afternoon.
salut: A casual greeting used with someone familiar.
hé: A short call used to get someone's attention.

Definition in French

S'utilise surtout en réponse à un appel téléphonique pour indiquer que l'on est présent et écoute.

Word origin

French allô comes from English hello and became established as a telephone-answering formula.

Usage tips

  • Allô is used mainly on the telephone, not as an ordinary greeting when meeting someone in person.

Word lists with this word