It helps when learning French to be well-versed in greeting people. If you ever go to a French-speaking country, or there is a French speaker you are making an effort to reach out to, knowing how to say hello more than once will help you to sound not only better but more natural and interesting. So here is the rundown of 10 ways of saying hello in French, along with their meanings and when to use them.
1. Bonjour
Translation: “Good day” or “Hello.”
When to Use: The most common and formal way to greet in French. This is when you meet anybody during the day from morning till late afternoon.
2. Salut
Meaning: “Hi” or “Hello”
When to Use: Informal and friendly. Ideal for greeting a friend, family, or fellow your age.
3. Bonsoir
Meaning: “Good evening” or “Hello.”
When to Use: Be employed at 5 p.m. or evening. It’s proper to wish a good day in the later part of the day.
4. Coucou
Translation: “Hello” or “Hi there.”
When to Use: It is a playful and informal means of greeting. Basically, someone uses it with close friends or children.
5. Allô
Translation: Hello (over the phone)
When to Use: This is normally used when answering the phone. In English, it has the same effect as saying “Hello” on a pick up of a call.
6. Salut, ça va?
Meaning: “Hi, how’s it going?”
When to Use: This is informal and is used to inquire about someone’s well-being. It is a casual greeting to say hello to someone.
7. Bienvenue
Meaning: “Welcome”
How to Use: Use this greeting when someone comes over, especially if you are hosting them or when they come into your house or office.
8. Enchante(e)
Meaning: “Nice to meet you”
How to Use: Used when you’re meeting someone for the first time, followed by “de vous rencontrer” (formal) or “de te rencontrer” (informal).
9. Comment ça va?
Meaning: “How are you?”
When to Use: Often used after greeting someone with “Salut” or “Bonjour.” This is a friendly way to ask how someone is doing.
10. Bon matin
Meaning: “Good morning.”
When to Use: This greeting is more common in Canadian French but is still used in some French regions. It’s a friendly way to say “Good morning” to start your day.
Conclusion
Learning how to greet people in French makes you sound more fluent and completes your cultural experience. From “Bonjour” in the morning to a friendly greeting with friends, becoming a master of these ten ways of saying hello in French will help you connect better with French speakers.