salutare

to greet; to say goodbye

verb sah-loo-TAH-reh Less Common

Origin: Latin salutare, from salus (health, safety)

Usage Note

Salutare also doubles as an adjective meaning 'healthy' or 'wholesome' (un'attività salutare = a healthy activity), so context is essential. As a verb it takes avere. The reflexive salutarsi means 'to greet each other' or 'to say goodbye to each other.' Italians often say salutami tutti (give my regards to everyone) when leaving a social gathering.

Examples

"Mi fermo a salutare i vicini."

Natural Translation

I'll stop to greet the neighbours.

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