If you’ve ever dreamed of strolling through the streets of Paris or ordering croissants at a cozy café, you’ve probably wondered how to say hello in French.
Bonjour! 😊 It’s more than just a word—it’s the first step to connecting with French speakers warmly and respectfully.
Whether you’re greeting a friend, a stranger, or a shopkeeper, learning how to say hello in different ways can make you sound natural and confident.
So, if you’re ready to start your French journey, this guide is written just for you!
Let’s make saying “hello” as easy as eating a baguette.
The Most Common Way to Say Hello in French | “Bonjour” ☀️
Bonjour (pronounced: bohn-zhoor) is the classic French greeting you’ll hear everywhere—from morning coffee shops to business meetings.
It literally means “good day,” and it’s used in both formal and polite settings.
🗣 Example:
- Bonjour, Madame! (Hello, ma’am!)
- Bonjour, comment allez-vous ? (Hello, how are you?)
👉 When to use: From morning until around 6 p.m. After that, switch to “Bonsoir” (Good evening).
A Casual Hello for Friends | “Salut” 👋
When chatting with friends, classmates, or people your age, the go-to greeting is Salut (pronounced: sah-loo).
It’s friendly, short, and can mean both “hi” and “bye” — just like “Hey” or “Hi” in English.
🗣 Example:
- Salut, Léa ! Tu vas bien ? (Hi Léa! How are you?)
- Salut, à plus ! (Bye, see you later!)
👉 When to use: In informal situations — never use it with your boss or a stranger you just met.
Saying Hello in the Evening | “Bonsoir” 🌙
As the sun sets, the French switch from “Bonjour” to Bonsoir (pronounced: bohn-swahr), meaning “good evening.”
It’s polite, elegant, and perfect for greeting people at night.
🗣 Example:
- Bonsoir, Monsieur. Vous passez une bonne soirée ? (Good evening, sir. Are you having a nice evening?)
👉 When to use: After 6 p.m. or when it’s clearly dark outside.
Greeting a Group Politely | “Bonjour à tous” 👨👩👧👦
If you walk into a room or start a meeting, you can greet everyone at once with:
Bonjour à tous ! (Hello everyone!)
🗣 Example:
- Bonjour à tous, merci d’être venus ! (Hello everyone, thank you for coming!)
👉 When to use: Great for classrooms, offices, or public events.
Pronunciation Tips 🎧
French pronunciation can seem tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll sound natural:
- The “r” in French is soft and comes from the back of the throat.
- The “j” in Bonjour sounds like the “s” in “measure.”
- Always speak smoothly—French sounds flow together like music.
Try repeating:
🗣 Bonjour, bonsoir, salut! until it feels natural.
Follow Up Phrases After Saying Hello 💬
Once you greet someone, the conversation usually continues!
Here are some common follow-up phrases:
| English | French | Pronunciation |
| How are you? | Comment ça va ? | koh-mahn sah vah |
| I’m fine, thanks. | Ça va bien, merci. | sah vah byahn mehr-see |
| What’s your name? | Comment tu t’appelles ? | koh-mahn too tah-pell |
| Nice to meet you. | Enchanté(e). | ahn-shahn-tay |
| Goodbye | Au revoir | oh ruh-vwahr |
Just like in English, you can mix greetings and follow-ups naturally:
Bonjour, comment ça va ? (Hello, how are you?)
Salut, à bientôt ! (Bye, see you soon!)
Cultural Note 🇫🇷
In France, greetings are very important!
Always say “Bonjour” when entering a shop or speaking to someone new—it’s seen as a sign of respect.
Skipping the greeting can seem rude, even if you smile. So remember: in France, “hello” comes before anything else!
Quick Recap 💡
Here’s your mini French hello checklist:
- Bonjour – Good day (formal & polite)
- Salut – Hi / Bye (informal)
- Bonsoir – Good evening
- Bonjour à tous – Hello everyone
Conclusion 🌻
Now that you know how to say hello in French, go ahead and practice! Start small—say “Bonjour” to your mirror, your pet, or your friends. The more you use it, the more natural it will feel. Remember, every “hello” is a doorway to new conversations, friendships, and experiences. So don’t be shy — say Bonjour to the world! 🇫🇷✨
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