French greetings feel warm, musical, and full of charm… and if you’re wondering how do you say hello in French?
You’re exactly where you need to be. This guide was written just for you—clear, simple, and friendly—so you can start greeting people confidently from the very first line.
Whether you’re preparing for travel, chatting online, or simply learning French for fun, you’ll learn the right phrases, how to pronounce them, and when to use each one.
By the end, you’ll sound natural, polite, and totally beginner-ready 😊.
The Most Common Way to Say Hello in French
Bonjour | The Classic French Hello
Pronunciation: bohn-zhoor
Meaning: “Hello” or “Good day”
“Bonjour” is the safest and most polite greeting. You can use it with strangers, teachers, coworkers, store owners—basically anyone outside your inner circle.
Example:
Bonjour, comment allez-vous ?
Hello, how are you? (formal)
When to use:
- Morning to early evening
- Formal situations
- First-time meetings
Cultural note:
The French take greetings seriously. A simple “Bonjour” before asking anything is seen as respectful.
Casual & Informal French Greetings
Salut | Friendly and Relaxed
Pronunciation: sah-loo
Meaning: “Hi”
Use “Salut” with friends, siblings, cousins, classmates, or anyone close to your age in an informal setting.
Example:
Salut, ça va ?
Hey, how’s it going?
When not to use:
Avoid using “Salut” with bosses, elders, or strangers. It can sound too casual.
Coucou | Cute and Playful
Pronunciation: koo-koo
Meaning: A sweet, playful “hi”
Great for close friends or texting. It feels soft and friendly, almost like saying “hey hey!”
Example:
Coucou, tu fais quoi ?
Hey, what are you up to?
Time Based French Greetings
Bonsoir | Good Evening
Pronunciation: bohn-swahr
Use “Bonsoir” when greeting people in the evening. It’s the nighttime version of “Bonjour.”
Example:
Bonsoir, vous passez une bonne soirée ?
Good evening, are you having a nice night?
Formal French Greetings for Respectful Situations
Enchanté | A Polite Way to Say “Nice to Meet You”
Pronunciation: ahn-shahn-tay
Use this right after the first hello during introductions.
Example:
Bonjour, enchanté de vous rencontrer.
Hello, nice to meet you.
Follow Up Phrases Every Beginner Should Know
Just like in English, saying “hello” is only the start of the conversation. Here are useful next steps:
- Comment ça va ? — How are you? (informal)
- Comment allez-vous ? — How are you? (formal)
- Ça va bien, merci. — I’m good, thanks.
- Et toi ? / Et vous ? — And you? (informal/formal)
- Au revoir — Goodbye
- Bonne journée — Have a good day
- À bientôt — See you soon 👋
Quick Vocabulary Table for Easy Practice
| French Phrase | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| Bonjour | bohn-zhoor | Hello / Good day |
| Salut | sah-loo | Hi |
| Coucou | koo-koo | Hey (cute) |
| Bonsoir | bohn-swahr | Good evening |
| Enchanté | ahn-shahn-tay | Nice to meet you |
| Comment ça va ? | koh-mahn sah vah | How are you? |
| Au revoir | oh ruh-vwahr | Goodbye |
Helpful Tips to Sound More Natural
- Keep your “r” light and smooth—it’s not rolled like Spanish.
- Don’t overthink the nasal sounds; just relax your mouth and let air flow gently.
- Smile when you say “Bonjour”—yes, it actually sounds better 😄.
- Use “vous” for respect and “tu” with friends.
Conclusion
Now you know the essentials of how to say hello in French—and not just one phrase but several warm, natural ways to greet anyone confidently. Practice a few lines each day, speak them out loud, and let your voice get comfortable with the rhythm. Every greeting brings you one step closer to sounding like a friendly French speaker. Bonne chance and keep practicing! 🇫🇷✨
John Preston is a passionate American author known for his insightful storytelling and thought-provoking narratives. With a deep love for literature and a sharp eye for detail, John crafts stories that not only entertain but also inspire reflection and growth. His modern writing style, combined with relatable characters and real-life settings, has earned him a loyal readership across diverse audiences.
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