A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Good evening" in French
Learn 'Bonsoir,' the standard French greeting for the evening, perfect for arriving at restaurants or meeting friends after 6 PM.
Bonsoir
bohn-SWAHRneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use 'Bonsoir' when greeting someone in the evening, typically after 6 PM. It's appropriate for entering shops, restaurants, or meeting people socially.
Alternatives
- Bonne soiréeUse this when leaving a place or saying goodbye for the evening.
- SalutThis is a very casual 'hi' or 'bye' for friends and family.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'n'
The 'n' in 'bon' is nasal; don't pronounce it like an English 'n'.
Silent 'r'
The 'r' at the end of 'soir' is often very soft or silent in casual speech.
A small cultural note
While 'Bonsoir' is standard, some older people or in very formal settings might still use 'Bonjour' a bit later into the evening. However, 'Bonsoir' is the safest bet.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
Is 'Bonsoir' formal or informal?
'Bonsoir' is considered neutral and works in most situations. It's not overly formal but is more polite than 'Salut'.
