The Complete Guide to French Language Greetings: From Bonjour to Au Revoir

Have you ever wondered why French people seem so particular about their greetings? French greetings are more than just words – they’re the key to unlocking meaningful connections and showing respect in French culture. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Paris or chatting with French-speaking friends online, knowing the right way to say hello can make all the difference.

Key Takeaways

• French greetings change based on time of day and social setting
• Each French-speaking region has unique greeting customs
• Physical greetings like “la bise” follow specific rules
• Digital greetings require different approaches for formal and casual situations
• Proper greeting etiquette is essential for making a good impression

Basic French Greetings

Let’s start with the greetings you’ll use most often. Think of these as your everyday tools for connecting with French speakers:

Greeting	Meaning	When to Use	Level of Formality
Bonjour	Hello/Good day	Morning to evening	Both formal & informal
Bonsoir	Good evening	After sunset	Both formal & informal
Salut	Hi	Casual situations	Informal only
Au revoir	Goodbye	Any time	Both formal & informal

But wait – there’s more to these greetings than meets the eye! After saying hello, French people often follow up with a question about well-being:

Formal Follow-ups:

• Comment allez-vous? (How are you?)
• Je vous en prie (You’re welcome)
• Enchanté(e) (Nice to meet you)

Casual Follow-ups:

• Ça va? (How’s it going?)
• Quoi de neuf? (What’s new?)
• Comment vas-tu? (How are you?)

Time-Specific Greetings

Did you know that using the wrong greeting at the wrong time can be a social faux pas? Here’s how to get it right:

Morning to Afternoon The day starts with “Bonjour,” which literally means “good day.” Use this greeting until evening approaches.

Evening Switch to “Bonsoir” once the sun starts setting (usually around 6 PM). This shows you’re paying attention to social cues.

Saying Goodbye

• Bonne journée (Have a good day)
• Bonne soirée (Have a good evening)
• À bientôt (See you soon)

Regional Differences

French isn’t just spoken in France! Each French-speaking region has its own greeting style:

Region	Special Features	Unique Expressions
Quebec	More casual	Uses “Bon matin”
Belgium	Three kisses	Regional dialects
Switzerland	More formal	Varies by canton
West Africa	Very respectful	Age-based greetings

Digital Age Greetings

How do you say hello in a text or email? Modern communication needs modern solutions:

Professional Emails:

Bonjour Madame/Monsieur,
[Your message]
Cordialement,
[Your name]

Casual Messages:

• slt = salut (hi)
• coucou = hey
• cc = coucou (hey)

Physical Greetings

Body language speaks volumes in French culture. Here’s what you need to know:

La Bise (Cheek Kissing)

• Start with the left cheek
• Make a kissing sound (don’t actually kiss!)
• Number of kisses varies by region:
  • Paris: 2 kisses
  • Belgium: 3 kisses
  • South of France: 2-3 kisses

Handshakes

• Firm but not too strong
• Maintain eye contact
• Keep it brief
• Used in professional settings

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from others’ mistakes can save you from embarrassment:

1. Never skip greetings when entering shops
2. Don’t use “tu” (informal you) unless invited
3. Avoid being too casual in formal situations
4. Don’t forget to say goodbye when leaving

Cultural Tips for Success

Want to really impress? Remember these cultural insights:

Do:

• Greet everyone when entering a room
• Wait for others to initiate informal greetings
• Show respect for age and social status
• Learn regional variations for your destination

Don’t:

• Rush through greetings
• Forget to make eye contact
• Mix formal and informal expressions
• Ignore physical greeting customs

Modern Trends

French greeting customs are evolving with the times:

• Video call greetings are becoming more casual
• Young people often skip “la bise” in favor of waves
• Social media has introduced new abbreviated greetings
• International business is influencing formal greetings

Remember, mastering French greetings takes practice and observation. Start formal, then adjust based on the situation and relationship. Pay attention to how locals greet each other, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about local customs. With time, you’ll find yourself navigating French social situations with confidence and cultural awareness.

Want to practice? Try using these greetings in different scenarios, and pay attention to how people respond. The more you use them, the more natural they’ll feel!