There are several different ways to say “hello” in French. Each way of saying hello depends upon the occasion, time, and person that you are speaking with. Below, you will find some different ways of saying “Hello” in French. We’ve also included explanations so that you know which one is the proper one to use depending on each setting.

BONJOUR (Hello or Good morning)

We say “Bonjour” when we arrive (normally before 6:00PM) in formal situations.

We can also say “Bonjour Madame” (to a female) or “Bonjour Monsieur (to a male).

We say “Bonjour Mesdames” when more than one woman is present and “Bonjour Messieurs” when more than one man is present.

BONSOIR (Good evening)

We say “Bonsoir” when we arrive (after 6:00PM) in more formal situations.

We can specify “Madames”/”Monsieur” or “Mesdames/”Messieurs”

SALUT (Hi)

We say “Salut” when we arrive or leave in informal situations, when speaking to friends for instance, no matter what time of day it is.

AUREVOIR (Goodbye)

We say “Aurevoir” when we leave in more formal situations no matter what time of day.

À BIENTÔT (See you soon)

We say “À bientôt” when we leave in formal or informal situations, but we know we will see the person again. It does not matter what time of day it is.

French Greeting Customs

It is the custom in business situations to shake hands when you meet someone and also before leaving. Kissing on the cheeks is typically reserved for friends, relatives, and children.

• Men shake hands almost exclusively unless they are very close with the other man.
• A man may kiss the cheek of a woman.
• Women often kiss each other on the cheek.
• Women sometimes kiss men on the cheek.

Social customs vary from one region to another. For example, the Paris region is rather strict and observes many more formalities than the south of France does.

As you can tell, there are appropriate ways to say “hello” in French for every situation. Whether you’re at a formal gathering or meeting with friends, use the proper way of saying “hello” in French and you’ll be sure to impress anyone!

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1. Parlez-vous anglais? —- Do you speak English?
2. Où sont les toilettes? — Where are the restrooms?
3. Je cherche la gare… — I’m looking for the train station…
4. Combien ça coûte? — How much does it/this cost?
5. Je ne comprends pas — I don’t understand
6. Je ne parle pas français — I don’t speak French
7. À quelle heure est-ce que cela ferme? —When does it close?
8. Pouvez-vous parler plus lenterment, s’il vous plait? — Can you speak more slowly, please?
9. Avez-vous une chambre de libre? — Do you have a room available?
10. Non, merci/ Oui, s’il vous plaît – No, thank you / Yes, please

This list of French survival phrases will help you to impress your friends or ask native French speakers important questions. It is very important you know the proper way to ask for a bathroom or directions and to let people know that you require assistance because you do not speak French. Not everyone you meet will speak your native language, and making the effort to learn even a little French will go a long way. Even if they do speak your language, people at your destination are sure to appreciate that you have tried to learn a bit. So whenever you decide to visit a French speaking area, even if you are not fluent in French, make sure that you at least remember our ten survival French phrases so that you can have a fun and safe trip.

Cover Photo by Ejk81 (Photograph: Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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