French Conversation · Level 112
59 words
French word
salutation
Pronunciation
IPA/salytasjɔ̃/
Meaning
- feminine noungreeting
Example
Dans la lettre, il a commencé par une salutation.
In the letter, he began with a greeting.
More examples
Ils se sont arrêtés pour échanger des salutations.
They stopped to exchange greetings.
Core concept
A spoken or written sign of respect that opens contact between people.
Common phrases
échanger des salutations
exchange greetings
salutations cordiales
warm greetings
Similar words
bonjour: A standard greeting used when meeting someone or starting a phone call.
salut: A casual greeting exchanged between familiar people.
bonsoir: A polite greeting used when addressing someone in the evening.
Definition in French
Geste ou formule par lequel on montre de la politesse ou de la considération envers une personne.
Word origin
French salutation comes through Old French from Latin salutatio, based on salutare, 'to greet', which is related to salus, 'well-being'.
Usage tips
- Salutation is feminine, so the singular form is une salutation and the plural form is des salutations.