Verb
/saluˈðaɾ/
The verb "saludar" means to greet or to salute someone. It is frequently used in both formal and informal contexts to acknowledge someone's presence. Its usage is common in everyday speech, particularly in social interactions, and it is also prevalent in written Spanish, especially in letters or messages. The frequency of use is high, as greeting is a fundamental social practice.
Spanish: Siempre es educado saludar a tus vecinos.
English: It is always polite to greet your neighbors.
Spanish: Espero que recuerdes saludar a tu abuela cuando la veas.
English: I hope you remember to greet your grandmother when you see her.
"Saludar" is commonly found in several idiomatic expressions. Here are a few:
Example: Es común saludar con la mano cuando te encuentras con alguien en la calle.
English: It is common to greet with a hand wave when you meet someone on the street.
Saludar a alguien con un abrazo: To greet someone with a hug.
Example: Siempre saludo a mi amigo con un abrazo al verlo.
English: I always greet my friend with a hug when I see him.
Saludar a la bandera: To salute the flag (often used in a military context).
The word "saludar" comes from the Latin "salutare," which itself is derived from "salus," meaning health or well-being. The association with health likely emphasizes the goodwill or positive sentiment that accompanies a greeting.
Donar (to bestow, in the sense of giving attention)
Antonyms:
This comprehensive overview of "saludar" provides key insights into its usage in Spanish across various contexts and highlights its importance in social interactions.