A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Hello" in French
The standard French greeting for 'hello,' used throughout the day until evening.
Bonjour
bohn-ZHOORneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when entering any shop, restaurant, or office, and when meeting someone for the first time that day. It's the polite default for almost any daytime encounter.
Alternatives
- SalutUse this only with friends, family, or peers you know well.
- BonsoirUse this greeting in the evening, typically after 6 PM.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'n' too strongly
French nasal vowels are tricky; the 'n' in 'bon' is not a hard 'n' sound but part of the vowel.
Silent 'r' at the end
The 'r' in 'Bonjour' is often very subtle or silent in casual speech, unlike an English 'r'.
A small cultural note
While 'Bonjour' is standard, some older or more traditional people might use 'Bonjour Madame' or 'Bonjour Monsieur' even in casual settings.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When do I switch from Bonjour to Bonsoir?
There's no strict rule, but most people start using 'Bonsoir' around 6 PM or when it starts getting dark. It's a gradual shift.
Is Bonjour always required?
Yes, it's considered very impolite not to greet someone when you enter a shop or interact with staff. Always start with 'Bonjour'.
Can I use Bonjour with friends?
You can, but 'Salut' is much more common and natural among friends and people you know well. 'Bonjour' can sound a bit formal in that context.
How do you greet in French?
The most common way to greet someone in French is with 'Bonjour,' which means 'good day.' You can also use 'Salut' for an informal greeting.
What to say instead of "bonjour"?
If it's evening, you should say 'Bonsoir,' meaning 'good evening.' For a very informal greeting, you can use 'Salut,' which is similar to 'hi'.
How are you in French?
To ask 'How are you?' formally, you can say 'Comment allez-vous?' Informally, you would say 'Comment ça va?' or simply 'Ça va?'
Hello in French informal
The most common informal way to say hello in French is 'Salut.' This can be used with friends, family, and people you know well.
Hello in French formal
The standard formal way to say hello in French is 'Bonjour,' which means 'good day.' Use this when addressing strangers, elders, or in professional settings.
