When you walk through the vibrant streets of Manila, you’ll often hear a word that feels like sunshine — “Kumusta.” It’s the Filipino way of saying “hello,” but it carries so much more than just a greeting.
The first time I heard it, a jeepney driver smiled and waved, saying, “Kumusta po?” The sincerity in his tone made me realize something beautiful: in the Philippines, saying hello is not just polite — it’s personal.
Whether you’re greeting a stranger or a close friend, “Kumusta” reflects the Filipino heart — warm, genuine, and full of care. Let’s explore not just how to say hello in Tagalog, but how the entire world greets with love and meaning.
🗺️ Table of Greetings Around the World
| Language | Word/Phrase for “Hello” | Cultural Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Tagalog (Filipino) | Kumusta | Derived from the Spanish “Cómo está”; means “How are you?” and reflects care. |
| Turkish | Merhaba | Expresses peace and openness; used universally. |
| English | Hi / Hello | A casual, friendly greeting used globally. |
| Spanish | Hola | Warm and expressive; often paired with gestures. |
| French | Bonjour | Literally “good day”; part of daily courtesy. |
| Italian | Ciao | Used for both hello and goodbye; informal and affectionate. |
| German | Hallo / Guten Tag | “Hallo” is friendly; “Guten Tag” adds formality. |
| Japanese | Konnichiwa | “Good afternoon”; used with polite body language. |
| Mandarin (Chinese) | Nǐ hǎo (你好) | Means “you good”; a sign of mutual respect. |
| Hindi (India) | Namaste (नमस्ते) | A spiritual greeting meaning “I bow to you.” |
| Arabic | As-salamu alaykum | “Peace be upon you”; deep spiritual meaning. |
| Swahili | Jambo / Habari | Friendly, curious greetings common in East Africa. |
| Zulu | Sawubona | Means “I see you”; acknowledges one’s existence. |
| Hawaiian | Aloha | Means love, peace, and hello; deeply spiritual. |
| Maori (New Zealand) | Kia ora | Means “be well”; expresses gratitude and life. |
🇵🇭 How Do You Say Hello in Tagalog
In Tagalog, the most common way to say hello is “Kumusta.”
Pronounced koo-moos-tah, it’s derived from the Spanish “Cómo está” (how are you), a reflection of the Philippines’ colonial past.
But while its roots are Spanish, its soul is uniquely Filipino.
In the Philippines, greetings go beyond words — they express warmth, care, and inclusion. You’ll often hear:
- Kumusta ka? (How are you?)
- Kumusta po? (A polite version showing respect, especially to elders.)
- Kumusta na? (A friendly, casual “How have you been?”)
Cultural Insight:
Filipinos value pakikisama — harmony and friendly relations. Saying “Kumusta” is a way of saying “I care about you.” It’s never rushed; it opens the door for conversation and connection.
Learning how to say hello in Tagalog is learning how to greet the world with empathy.
🇪🇺 How to Say Hello in European Languages
Europe’s greetings reflect centuries of tradition and cultural pride.
- France — Bonjour: Used throughout the day; politeness is key.
- Spain — Hola: Spoken with enthusiasm, often accompanied by physical gestures.
- Italy — Ciao: Charming and musical, representing affection and style.
- Germany — Guten Tag / Hallo: Formality matters; context defines which one to use.
- Greece — Yasou: Literally “to your health,” showing genuine goodwill.
- Portugal — Olá: Light and cheerful, mirroring Portuguese hospitality.
Across Europe, greetings are about courtesy, respect, and human connection — from business meetings to street cafés.
🌏 How to Say Hello in Asian Languages
Asia’s greetings carry grace, respect, and philosophy.
- Japan — Konnichiwa: Often paired with a bow to show humility.
- China — Nǐ hǎo: A wish for the other’s well-being.
- India — Namaste: Combines word and gesture; spiritual respect for all.
- Korea — Annyeonghaseyo: “Are you peaceful?” — a kind, formal greeting.
- Arabic — As-salamu alaykum: “Peace be upon you,” uniting people through peace.
- Thailand — Sawasdee ka/krub: Spoken with a graceful bow.
- Vietnam — Xin chào: Simple yet polite, used in all social settings.
- Indonesia — Halo: Friendly and easy, influenced by English.
- Turkey — Merhaba: Rooted in openness; symbol of friendship.
- Malaysia — Apa khabar: Literally “What’s the news?” — a caring expression.
Asian greetings remind us that to say “hello” is to wish peace, balance, and harmony.
🌍 How to Say Hello in African Languages
Africa’s greetings emphasize unity, identity, and compassion.
- Swahili — Jambo: Casual and warm, perfect for travelers.
- Zulu — Sawubona: “I see you”; deeply human and relational.
- Yoruba — Bawo ni?: “How are you?” said with genuine interest.
- Amharic — Selam: Derived from “peace,” much like “salaam.”
- Hausa — Sannu: A versatile, respectful hello.
- Shona — Mhoro: Soft and kind; used in daily life.
- Akan — Maakye: Morning greeting; formality varies by time of day.
- Somali — Iska warran?: “What’s the news?” encouraging open dialogue.
- Lingala — Mbote: A cheerful, communal greeting.
- Berber — Azul: Ancient word for “peace” and friendship.
Across Africa, greetings are shared experiences, not just words — they affirm belonging and togetherness.
🌺 How to Say Hello in Indigenous & Island Languages
Island and indigenous greetings are rooted in spirituality, gratitude, and connection to nature.
- Hawaiian — Aloha: The spirit of love, peace, and compassion.
- Maori — Kia ora: A blessing meaning “be well.”
- Samoan — Talofa: “I’m happy to see you.”
- Cherokee — Osiyo: Welcoming with sincerity and openness.
- Fijian — Bula: “Life” — said with enthusiasm and joy.
- Tahitian — Ia ora na: “May you live”; poetic and bright.
- Inuit — Aluu: Simple, genuine, and heartfelt.
- Haitian Creole — Bonjou: French-influenced morning greeting.
- Guaraní — Avy’a rohayhu: “I’m happy to see you.”
- Malagasy — Manao ahoana: “How are you?” — gentle and respectful.
Each island greeting shows how language can embody love, identity, and unity.
💬 Cultural Insights: The Story Behind “Kumusta”
The Tagalog word “Kumusta” evolved from the Spanish “Cómo está.” During the Spanish colonial period (16th–19th centuries), Filipinos adapted the phrase into their own language.
Over time, it became more than a question — it became a symbol of Filipino friendliness, empathy, and adaptability. It’s used in casual chats, formal introductions, or even texts — always carrying genuine warmth.
🌸 Proverbs About Greeting Across Cultures
- Filipino: “Ang mabuting salita ay gamot sa kaluluwa.” — “Kind words are medicine to the soul.”
- Turkish: “A smiling face is half the greeting.”
- Zulu: “Sawubona” — “I see you,” meaning “I acknowledge your being.”
- Chinese: “A kind word warms for three winters.”
- Arabic: “Begin with peace, end with peace.”
- Spanish: “Palabras dulces no cuestan mucho.” — “Sweet words don’t cost much.”
Each proverb reminds us that how we greet defines how we connect.
❓ FAQs
Q1: How do you say hello in Tagalog?
You say “Kumusta.” It’s a casual and friendly greeting used throughout the Philippines.
Q2: What does Kumusta mean?
“Kumusta” literally means “How are you?” — it expresses care and curiosity about others’ well-being.
Q3: How do you pronounce Kumusta?
Pronounced koo-moos-tah. The tone is gentle and welcoming.
Q4: Is there a formal way to say hello in Filipino?
Yes, “Kumusta po” is used when greeting elders or showing respect.
Q5: Is Kumusta used in both Tagalog and Filipino?
Yes, “Kumusta” is understood across the Philippines in both the Tagalog language and the national language, Filipino.
❤️ Conclusion: A Simple Word That Says So Much
Whether it’s Kumusta in the Philippines, Bonjour in France, or Aloha in Hawaii — every greeting is a bridge between hearts.
When you say hello in Tagalog, you’re not just following custom — you’re sharing empathy, care, and the warmth of Filipino spirit.
💬 Your Turn!
How do you say hello in your language? Comment below and join our global conversation — one “Kumusta” at a time! 🌍
