It was a crisp Paris morning when I first heard the word “Bienvenue.”
A café owner smiled as she placed my croissant on the table and said it softly, like a melody — “Bienvenue à Paris!”
That word carried something more than politeness. It felt like being seen and accepted. In that moment, I understood — “welcome” is one of humanity’s kindest gestures.
Across languages, to welcome someone is to open your world and say, “You belong here.”
So let’s explore how to say “welcome” in French, and how this timeless expression of hospitality takes on beautiful forms around the globe.
🗺️ Table of “Welcome” in Different Languages
| Language | Word/Phrase for “Welcome” | Cultural Insight |
|---|---|---|
| French | Bienvenue | Literally means “well come” — a heartfelt greeting used for guests, travelers, and new experiences. |
| English | Welcome | Derived from Old English “wilcuma,” meaning “one whose coming is pleasing.” |
| Spanish | Bienvenido / Bienvenida | Gendered greeting showing warmth and courtesy. |
| Italian | Benvenuto / Benvenuta | Used joyfully when greeting guests or visitors. |
| German | Willkommen | Symbolizes respect and hospitality, especially in formal contexts. |
| Turkish | Hoş geldiniz | Literally “you came pleasantly” — a poetic and sincere welcome. |
| Arabic | Ahlan wa sahlan | Deeply rooted in Arab culture; means “you are among family.” |
| Japanese | Yōkoso (ようこそ) | Used for guests and travelers; expresses honor and respect. |
| Mandarin (Chinese) | Huānyíng (欢迎) | Literally “happy to welcome”; cheerful and sincere. |
| Hindi (India) | Swāgat hai (स्वागत है) | Spiritual undertone — greeting the divine presence in others. |
| Swahili | Karibu | Means “you’re welcome” and also “come in” — central to African hospitality. |
| Zulu | Wamukelekile | Means “you are accepted here” — a powerful message of belonging. |
| Hawaiian | Aloha mai | A fusion of love and welcome — deep cultural warmth. |
| Maori | Haere mai | Invites someone into your space with joy and respect. |
| Russian | Dobro pozhalovat (Добро пожаловать) | Literally “may good come upon you”; formal and warm. |
🇫🇷 How Do You Say Welcome in French
The French word for “welcome” is Bienvenue (pronounced byehn-veh-new).
It’s a combination of “bien” (well) and “venu” (come) — literally meaning “well come.”
Cultural Insight:
In France, Bienvenue is used not only when greeting someone into your home but also in shops, restaurants, and workplaces. It embodies the French art of hospitality — warm but refined, polite yet heartfelt.
Whether someone says “Bienvenue à Paris” or “Soyez le bienvenu” (formal: “you are welcome”), it’s a beautiful way of saying, “We’re glad you’re here.”
Learning how to say welcome in French opens a door into a culture that values elegance, respect, and connection.
🇪🇺 How to Say Welcome in European Languages
Europe’s greetings of welcome blend history, hospitality, and emotional warmth:
- Spain – Bienvenido: Expresses joy and friendliness; often accompanied by hugs.
- Italy – Benvenuto: Joyful and expressive, often used in family gatherings.
- Germany – Willkommen: Strong and formal, showing respect to visitors.
- Greece – Kalós írthate: Literally “good you came”; poetic and heartfelt.
- Portugal – Bem-vindo: Warmly used in both homes and business settings.
- Dutch – Welkom: Simple, cheerful, and often used with a handshake.
In Europe, a welcome is not just a word — it’s part of centuries-old traditions of hospitality that turn strangers into guests.
🌏 How to Say Welcome in Asian Languages
Asia’s expressions of welcome often connect to spirituality and collective respect:
- Japan – Yōkoso: Deeply formal; used for guests, tourists, or ceremonies.
- China – Huānyíng: Bright and cheerful, often said with a smile.
- India – Swāgat hai: Used in both homes and temples — welcoming the divine spirit in every person.
- Turkey – Hoş geldiniz: Means “you came pleasantly”; guests reply “Hoş bulduk” (“we found it pleasant”).
- Arabic – Ahlan wa sahlan: One of the most beautiful welcomes; means “you are family, and the ground is smooth for you.”
- Thailand – Yin dee ton rap: “Glad to receive you” — spoken with grace and humility.
- Korea – Hwan-yeonghamnida: Used in formal settings to show deep respect.
- Vietnam – Chào mừng: Literally “joyful greeting.”
- Indonesia – Selamat datang: Means “happy arrival.”
- Philippines – Maligayang pagdating: Joyful and heartfelt — often sung in festivals!
Asian languages teach us that to “welcome” is to honor another’s presence with sincerity and gratitude.
🌍 How to Say Welcome in African Languages
Africa’s concept of welcome is one of deep community and belonging:
- Swahili – Karibu: Means “welcome” and “you’re invited”; a word filled with warmth.
- Zulu – Wamukelekile: “You are accepted here”; reflects inclusion and respect.
- Yoruba – E kaabo: A joyful greeting of reception.
- Amharic – Denanew: Means “how are you arriving?” — a warm start to conversation.
- Akan (Ghana) – Akwaaba: Used widely to greet guests — even written on Ghana’s airport entrance.
- Somali – Soo dhowow: “Come closer”; a personal and heartfelt welcome.
- Hausa – Sannu da zuwa: “Thank you for coming.”
- Lingala – Boyei malamu: “You have come well.”
- Shona – Mauya: A warm, inviting word meaning “you’ve arrived.”
- Berber – Azul fellak: Means “peace be upon you.”
Across Africa, to welcome is to connect, to affirm that no one stands alone.
🌺 How to Say Welcome in Indigenous & Island Languages
From the Pacific to the Americas, “welcome” carries spiritual and communal depth:
- Hawaiian – Aloha mai: “Love and welcome to you.”
- Maori – Haere mai: “Come forward with joy.”
- Samoan – Afio mai: Used to greet chiefs and guests of honor.
- Cherokee – Ulihelisdi: “It is a good thing”; used as a joyful reception.
- Tahitian – Maeva: “Come joyfully”; poetic and melodic.
- Fijian – Bula vinaka: Means “life and good health to you.”
- Haitian Creole – Byenveni: From French “Bienvenue”; warm and welcoming.
- Tagalog – Maligayang pagdating: “Happy arrival,” expressing cheer.
- Inuit – Tikilluarit: A traditional Arctic welcome.
- Guaraní – Eju porã: “Come well”; simple and kind.
These languages remind us that a true welcome is sacred — it honors both guest and host.
💬 Cultural Insights: The Meaning of Welcome Through Time
The word “welcome” has ancient roots — Old English, Latin, Arabic, and beyond.
In medieval France, travelers and pilgrims were greeted with “Bienvenu” as an act of grace. In ancient Arabia, hosts would lay carpets at the entrance to say, “You are safe here.”
Today, from airports to online spaces, saying “welcome” still represents trust, openness, and respect — a universal invitation to connect.
🌸 Proverbs About Welcoming Across Cultures
- French: “L’hospitalité est la première des vertus.” — “Hospitality is the first virtue.”
- Swahili: “Karibu, mgeni si adui.” — “Welcome, for a guest is not an enemy.”
- Arabic: “The guest is a gift from God.”
- Chinese: “A house without guests is like a well without water.”
- Turkish: “A guest is God’s guest.”
Each saying reminds us: to welcome someone is to show the best of our humanity.
❓ FAQs
Q1: How do you say welcome in French?
The French word for welcome is “Bienvenue.” It literally means “well come” and is used to greet or receive someone warmly.
Q2: How do you pronounce Bienvenue?
It’s pronounced byehn-veh-new — smooth and melodic, with emphasis on the first syllable.
Q3: What is the difference between Bienvenue and De rien?
“Bienvenue” means “welcome” (as a greeting). “De rien” means “you’re welcome” (as a polite response to “thank you”).
Q4: What’s the cultural meaning of Bienvenue in France?
It symbolizes openness and warmth while maintaining French elegance and etiquette.
Q5: Are there formal versions of welcome in French?
Yes, “Soyez le bienvenu” (to a man) or “Soyez la bienvenue” (to a woman) — formal, respectful, and often used in speeches or ceremonies.
❤️ Conclusion: Bienvenue — A Universal Invitation
To say “Bienvenue” is to offer more than a word — it’s to extend warmth, respect, and belonging.
Whether in Paris, Nairobi, or Tokyo, the meaning of “welcome” remains timeless: You are seen. You belong here.
So next time you greet someone new, let your “Bienvenue” carry the full power of human connection.
💬 Now it’s your turn:
How do you say “welcome” in your language? Share it in the comments — and let’s create a global chain of Bienvenue! 🌍
