A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Good morning" in French
The essential French greeting for 'good morning' and 'hello' used throughout the day.
Bonjour
bohn-ZHOORneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this from morning until late afternoon when greeting anyone you don't know well. It's the standard polite way to say hello when entering a shop or restaurant.
Alternatives
- BonsoirUse this instead of Bonjour once evening arrives.
- SalutThis is a more casual 'hi' for friends and family.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'n' too strongly
French nasal vowels aren't like English 'n' sounds; let the vowel carry the nasal quality.
Forgetting the 'r' sound
The French 'r' is guttural, made in the back of the throat, not rolled or like English 'r'.
A small cultural note
While 'Bonjour' technically means 'good day,' it's the standard greeting from morning until around 6 PM, after which 'Bonsoir' (good evening) becomes appropriate.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When do I switch from Bonjour to Bonsoir?
There's no exact time, but most people start using 'Bonsoir' around 6 PM or when it starts to get dark. It's better to switch a bit early than too late.
Can I use Bonjour with friends?
Yes, you can, but 'Salut' is much more common and natural for close friends and family. 'Bonjour' can sound a little formal between very close people.
Is Bonjour always polite?
Yes, 'Bonjour' is the standard polite greeting in almost all situations. Failing to say it when entering a shop is considered quite rude.
How do French people say good morning?
The most common way to say "good morning" in French is "Bonjour."
Is bonjour hi or good morning?
"Bonjour" can mean both "hello" and "good morning." It is used throughout the day until the evening.
What are the 8 greetings in French?
Common French greetings include "Bonjour" (hello/good morning), "Bonsoir" (good evening), "Bonne nuit" (good night), "Salut" (hi/bye, informal), "Au revoir" (goodbye), "À bientôt" (see you soon), "Ça va?" (how are you?), and "Bienvenue" (welcome).
Good morning in French pronunciation
The pronunciation of "Bonjour" is roughly "bohn-zhoor," with the "n" being nasal and the "r" being a soft guttural sound.
