Ever wondered how do you say hi in French?
If yes, you’re in the right place because this guide was written with you in mind. Whether you’re planning a trip to Paris, chatting online with a French friend, or simply curious about the language, learning the right greeting makes your conversation feel warm and natural.
In the next few minutes, you’ll discover simple ways to say “hi,” when to use each phrase, and how to sound confident even if you’re just starting out.
By the end, you’ll be saying bonjour like a pro. 🇫🇷✨
The Most Common Way to Say “Hi” in French | Bonjour
Bonjour
Pronunciation: bon-zhoor
Meaning: “Good day” or “Hello”
“Bonjour” is the safest and most universal way to greet someone in French. You can use it with strangers, shopkeepers, teachers, coworkers, or anyone older than you.
When to Use It
- Formal settings
- First-time meetings
- Any daytime situation
Example
Bonjour, comment allez-vous ?
Hello, how are you?
Informal Ways to Say Hi in French
Sometimes you want something lighter, more casual, and friendly. Just like in English, French has relaxed greetings too.
Salut | The Friendly “Hi” 😊
Pronunciation: sa-loo
Use it with friends, siblings, cousins, and people you already know.
Example:
Salut, ça va ? — “Hi, how’s it going?”
Cultural Note:
The word salut also means “bye” depending on context… just like “see ya!”
Coucou | The Cute, Playful Hello
Pronunciation: koo-koo
This one is warm, sweet, and a bit playful. You’ll hear it among close friends, family members, and sometimes even between couples.
Example:
Coucou ! Tu fais quoi ? — “Hey! What are you doing?”
When to use:
- Texting
- Talking to kids
- With very close friends
- In a cheerful, casual mood
Greeting Someone in the Evening
Bonsoir | Evening Hello 🌙
Pronunciation: bon-swahr
Use this after sunset or during evening gatherings.
Example:
Bonsoir, vous allez bien ? — “Good evening, are you well?”
Tip:
Unlike English, French uses “bonsoir” as a greeting, not a goodbye.
Follow Up Phrases After Saying Hi
Just like in English, greetings are often followed by light conversation. Here are the most useful ones:
Common Follow Up Questions
- Ça va ? — “How’s it going?”
- Comment ça va ? — “How are you?”
- Quoi de neuf ? — “What’s new?”
- Tu vas bien ? — “You doing okay?”
Polite Responses
- Ça va bien, merci. — “I’m good, thank you.”
- Pas mal. — “Not bad.”
- Ça va. — “It’s okay.”
Vocabulary Table for Quick Review 📘
| French Phrase | Pronunciation | Meaning | Use Case |
| Bonjour | bon-zhoor | Hello (formal) | Daytime, polite |
| Salut | sa-loo | Hi / bye (informal) | Friends, peers |
| Coucou | koo-koo | Hey (cute) | Family, close friends |
| Bonsoir | bon-swahr | Good evening | After sunset |
| Ça va ? | sa va | How’s it going? | Informal chat |
| Comment allez-vous ? | ko-mon tal-ay voo | How are you? | Formal |
A Few Extra Tips to Sound Natural 🇫🇷✨
- Smile while greeting — it’s a big part of French social warmth.
- Use eye contact but don’t stare; it should feel friendly, not intense.
- Add a light “bonjour” first when entering shops — it’s considered polite.
- Keep greetings short and natural; the French appreciate simplicity.
Conclusion
Learning how to say hi in French is your first step into a beautiful language. You now know the formal, informal, cute, and evening greetings plus how to respond like a native. Try using bonjour, salut, or coucou today and see how confident you feel. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes — and soon you’ll be greeting people in French without even thinking about it. 🌟
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