When I first landed in Manila, the air was thick with humidity — and warmth. But it wasn’t just the tropical weather; it was the people.
A cheerful woman behind the counter smiled and said, “Kumusta po!”
That one word — Kumusta — instantly made me feel at home. It wasn’t just “hello.” It was “How are you? I care.”
That’s the beauty of Filipino greetings. They’re not transactional — they’re emotional.
Learning how to say hello in Filipino is more than memorizing a phrase; it’s an entry into one of the world’s warmest cultures, where every greeting carries genuine kindness and connection.
And as we explore how different countries say hello, we’ll see one simple truth: across continents, every “hello” means, “I see you, I welcome you.”
🗺️ Table of Greetings Around the World
| Language | Word/Phrase for “Hello” | Cultural Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Kumusta / Kamusta | Means “hello” or “how are you?”; rooted in genuine care and Spanish influence. |
| English | Hello / Hi | Friendly and simple; globally recognized. |
| Spanish | Hola | Used across Spain and Latin America; often paired with warmth and gestures. |
| French | Bonjour | Polite and essential; reflects French etiquette. |
| Italian | Ciao | Casual and affectionate; used among friends. |
| German | Hallo / Guten Tag | Clear and polite; distinguishes formal and informal tone. |
| Arabic | As-salamu alaykum | “Peace be upon you”; a spiritual greeting shared by millions. |
| Japanese | Konnichiwa | “Good afternoon”; used with a bow to show respect. |
| Mandarin (Chinese) | Nǐ hǎo (你好) | “You good”; expresses mutual respect. |
| Hindi (India) | Namaste (नमस्ते) | “I bow to you”; deeply spiritual and humble. |
| Swahili | Jambo / Habari | “Hello” or “How are things?”; casual and joyful. |
| Zulu | Sawubona | “I see you”; acknowledges one’s presence and worth. |
| Turkish | Merhaba | “Hello”; symbolizes peace and friendliness. |
| Hawaiian | Aloha | Means “love,” “peace,” and “hello”; carries emotional depth. |
| Maori (New Zealand) | Kia ora | “Be well”; expresses gratitude and goodwill. |
🇵🇭 How to Say Hello in Filipino
The Filipino word for “hello” is Kumusta (also spelled Kamusta).
It comes from the Spanish phrase “Cómo está?”, meaning “How are you?” — a beautiful example of how languages evolve through history. But in the Philippines, Kumusta is more than a greeting; it’s a reflection of pakikipagkapwa-tao — a core Filipino value meaning compassion and connectedness with others.
Filipinos often say “Kumusta ka?” (How are you?) or “Kumusta po?” (a polite version used for elders and strangers).
Cultural Insight:
Filipinos rarely greet without a smile. Whether in bustling Manila streets or quiet island towns, that single “Kumusta” carries warmth, sincerity, and a genuine desire to connect.
Learning how to say hello in Filipino opens the door to understanding what makes the Philippines’ culture so loved — its heart.
🇪🇺 How to Say Hello in European Languages
Europe offers a mix of politeness and personality in greetings.
- France — Bonjour: Start of every polite exchange; skipping it feels abrupt.
- Spain — Hola: Lively and affectionate, often paired with cheek kisses.
- Italy — Ciao: Flexible and friendly; used for both greeting and farewell.
- Germany — Hallo / Guten Tag: Politeness and clarity define German greetings.
- Greece — Yasou: Means “to your health”; combines warmth with good wishes.
- Portugal — Olá: Cheerful and melodic, reflecting the country’s easygoing nature.
European greetings reveal that a simple hello can carry layers of etiquette and charm.
🌏 How to Say Hello in Asian Languages
Asia’s greetings often mirror spiritual values, social respect, and hospitality.
- Japan — Konnichiwa: Accompanied by a bow; respect is paramount.
- China — Nǐ hǎo: Means “you good”; a reflection of harmony.
- India — Namaste: A sacred salutation of respect and humility.
- Korea — Annyeonghaseyo: “Are you peaceful?”; a blend of care and formality.
- Thailand — Sawasdee ka/krub: Spoken with a gentle “wai” gesture.
- Vietnam — Xin chào: Polite and melodic, often said with a smile.
- Indonesia — Halo: Adapted from English, said softly and kindly.
- Filipino — Kumusta: Combines Spanish roots with Filipino heart.
- Arabic-speaking nations — As-salamu alaykum: A timeless greeting of peace.
- Turkish — Merhaba: A warm invitation to connect.
Across Asia, greetings bridge not just language but the soul of hospitality.
🌍 How to Say Hello in African Languages
African greetings are personal, relational, and full of meaning.
- Swahili — Jambo / Habari: “Hello” or “How are things?”; casual yet caring.
- Zulu — Sawubona: “I see you”; affirms existence and presence.
- Yoruba — Bawo ni? “How are you?”; said with sincerity and patience.
- Amharic — Selam: From “peace”; reflects Ethiopia’s warmth.
- Shona — Mhoro: A simple, gentle hello.
- Akan (Ghana) — Maakye: “Good morning”; shows time-awareness in greetings.
- Hausa — Sannu: A greeting filled with respect.
- Somali — Iska warran? “What’s new?”; used to start friendly chats.
- Berber — Azul: Ancient term for peace.
- Lingala — Mbote: Means “hello”; said with joy and energy.
African greetings remind us that in many societies, saying hello is an event — a moment of mutual recognition.
🌺 How to Say Hello in Indigenous & Island Languages
From tropical islands to ancient tribes, greetings reflect community and gratitude.
- Hawaiian — Aloha: “Love,” “peace,” and “hello” all in one.
- Maori — Kia ora: Means “be well”; used as a thank-you, too.
- Samoan — Talofa: “I’m happy to see you”; joyful and expressive.
- Cherokee — Osiyo: “Hello”; symbolizes openness.
- Tahitian — Ia ora na: “May you live”; poetic and uplifting.
- Fijian — Bula: “Life!”; full of enthusiasm and energy.
- Inuit — Aluu: Simple yet meaningful in Arctic communities.
- Haitian Creole — Bonjou: French-influenced but uniquely Caribbean.
- Tagalog — Kumusta: A heartfelt Filipino hello, symbolizing warmth.
- Guaraní — Avy’a rohayhu: “I’m happy to see you”; deeply emotional.
Indigenous greetings celebrate humanity’s connection to nature, kinship, and gratitude.
💬 Cultural Insights: The Evolution of “Kumusta”
The Filipino greeting Kumusta tells a story of history and heart.
Borrowed from Spanish colonizers, it evolved from “Cómo está?” into a uniquely Filipino expression of empathy.
Over centuries, the Philippines transformed a colonial phrase into a symbol of kindness and inclusion — a perfect reflection of Filipino resilience and cultural pride.
Today, whether spoken in Manila, Cebu, or abroad, Kumusta carries the same warmth — the sound of home.
🌸 Proverbs About Greeting Across Cultures
- Filipino: “Ang ngiti ay kalahati ng bati.” — “A smile is half the greeting.”
- Turkish: “A smiling face is half the greeting.”
- Zulu: “I see you; therefore, you exist.”
- Chinese: “A kind word warms for three winters.”
- Italian: “He who greets first has more friends.”
Every culture agrees — a kind greeting is a seed of friendship.
❓ FAQs
Q1: What does “Kumusta” mean in Filipino?
“Kumusta” means “hello” or “how are you?” It expresses care and connection.
Q2: How do you pronounce “Kumusta”?
Pronounced koo-moos-tah — soft and friendly.
Q3: Is “Kumusta” the same as “Kamusta”?
Yes! Both are used interchangeably. “Kamusta” is the modern spelling.
Q4: Why is “Kumusta” similar to Spanish “Cómo está?”
Because the Philippines was under Spanish rule for over 300 years, many Filipino words trace back to Spanish roots.
Q5: What makes Filipino greetings unique?
They’re personal, emotional, and always delivered with a smile — a true reflection of Filipino hospitality.
❤️ Conclusion: The Universal Heart Behind “Kumusta”
From “Kumusta” in the Philippines to “Aloha”, “Merhaba”, or “Bonjour,” every hello carries a shared human heartbeat — a wish for peace, warmth, and connection.
When you say hello in Filipino, you’re not just greeting someone; you’re saying “I care about you.”
💬 Now it’s your turn!
How do you say hello in your language? Share it in the comments and join our global “Kumusta” movement — one word, a thousand smiles. 🌍
