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.
