French Greetings - Hello in French

Lesson | Quiz

Learning to greet people is an essential part of learning a new language. Whether you're planning to continue learning French or just learn a few basics in preparation for a trip, these French greetings can help you on your way. Click the links to hear the word or phrase pronounced in French.

The basic French greeting is bonjour, which can mean hello, good morning, or good afternoon. When greeting someone in the evening (beginning around 6pm), say bonsoir.

To greet someone informally at any time of day, you can say salut, meaning hi.

French greeting tips

You should always greet people by saying one of the above. In some countries, it's acceptable to greet a salesclerk, for example, with just a smile, but not in France - always start out with a polite bonjour. Even when entering a waiting room or boarding a bus, the French will mutter bonjour as a general greeting to everyone within earshot.

In addition, if you know the person or are being introduced, you're also expected to either faire la bise (kiss cheeks) or se serrer la main (shake hands). When arriving at work or school, this means you should go around the room and individually greet each person.

What about hugging?

Don't ever greet people by saying "bon matin" or "bon après-midi" - the first is incorrect and the second can only be used as a good-bye - read more.

French Phrases
   • "How are you?" in French
   • "Good-bye" in French
   • Most common French phrases
   • Social niceties

Lesson | Quiz

Exchanging pleasantries about one's health is typical when greeting someone. There are several ways to ask how someone is, and which one to use depends on whether you want to be formal or informal.*

Formal

Asking
Whether talking to one person or more than one, ask Comment allez-vous ? (How are you?)

Answering
   Je vais bien   (I'm fine)
   Bien, merci   (Fine, thanks)
   Bien, et vous ?   (Fine, and you?

)

Informal

Asking
The most common question is Ça va ? (literally, Is it going?), and it has variations:
   Ça va bien ?   (Is it going well?)
   Comment ça va ?   (How's it going?)

If you're just talking to one person, you can also ask Comment vas-tu ?

Answering
   Ça va   (Fine)
   Ça va bien   (I'm doing well)
   Pas mal   (Not bad)
   Bien, et toi ?   (Fine, and you?)
   Je vais bien   (I'm fine)

Learn more about ça va and pas mal

Familiar

Asking
   Quoi de neuf ?   (What's new?)

Answering
   Rien de nouveau   (nothing's new)
   Pas grand-chose   (not much)

*If you don't understand what formal, informal, and familiar mean here, please see my lesson on Tu vs Vous.

French Phrases
   • French greetings
   • "Good-bye" in French
   • Most common French phrases
   • Social niceties

Lesson | Quiz

Parting doesn't have to be sweet sorrow. Learn the different ways to say "good-bye" depending on what exactly you mean.

Au revoir   (Good-bye)
Salut   (Bye)

À tout de suite   (See you in a moment)
À bientôt, À tout à l'heure   (See you soon)
À plus, À plus tard   (See you later)
   (pronunciation of plus)
À demain   (See you tomorrow)
À la prochaine   (Until next time)
À la rentrée   (See you in the fall)

Bonne journée   (Have a nice day)
Bon après-midi   (Have a nice afternoon)
Bonne soirée   (Have a nice evening)
Bonne nuit   (Good night)

Adieu   (Farewell)

 
Good-bye gestures

As you say good-bye, you should also faire la bise (kiss cheeks) or se serrer la main (shake hands).

What about a good-bye hug?

French Phrases

   • French greetings
   • "How are you?" in French
   • Most common French phrases
   • Social niceties