Different ways to say Hello in French

french hello

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!