“Salve” in Spanish usually means “Hail Mary” as a noun in a religious context, or “hail” as an old-style greeting/interjection. It can also mean an ointment or balm in some related dictionary senses, but that is less common in everyday Spanish.

Common meanings

  • La salve = the Hail Mary prayer or hymn.
  • ¡Salve! = hail! or an old greeting.
  • In some broader dictionary entries, it can also relate to balm/ointment or a soothing remedy, depending on context.

Simple example

  • Rezé una salve = “I said a Hail Mary”.
  • ¡Salve, César! = “Hail, Caesar!”.

Bottom line

For most learners, the best English match is “Hail Mary” if it’s a noun, and “hail” if it’s used as a greeting.