Learning a new language can feel exciting and a little intimidating at the same time.
If you’ve ever wondered how to say hi in French?, you’re in the right place!
This article is written just for you, whether you’re planning a trip to Paris, chatting with a French friend, or simply love exploring languages.
By the end, you’ll know the key greetings, how to pronounce them correctly, when to use them, and even some fun follow-up phrases that make conversations smoother.
Ready to greet the French way? Let’s dive in!
Basic Ways to Say Hi in French
Salut | Informal Hello 👋
Pronunciation: sah-loo
“Salut” is the casual, friendly way to say hi—think of it like saying “Hey” in English. You can use it with friends, classmates, or anyone you know well.
Example:
- Salut, comment ça va?
(Hi, how’s it going?)
Bonjour | Formal Hello 🌞
Pronunciation: bon-zhoor
“Bonjour” literally means “good day” and is perfect for formal situations, like meeting someone for the first time, speaking to a teacher, or entering a shop.
Example:
- Bonjour, monsieur Dupont. Comment allez-vous?
(Hello, Mr. Dupont. How are you?)
Coucou | Playful and Cute Hello 🐥
Pronunciation: koo-koo
“Coucou” is super informal and often used with kids, close friends, or family. It’s like saying “Hey there!” in a cheerful tone.
Example:
- Coucou! Tu vas bien?
(Hey there! Are you doing well?)
When to Use Each Greeting
Just like in English, context matters. Use “Bonjour” in formal settings or when you want to show respect. “Salut” is great for casual conversations, while “Coucou” adds a playful touch.
Fun fact: In France, people often greet with a light kiss on the cheek, called a “la bise”, depending on the region! 💋
Common Follow-Up Phrases
After saying hi, you can continue the conversation smoothly with these:
| French Phrase | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| Comment ça va? | kom-mohn sa va | How are you? |
| Ça va bien, merci | sa va byan, mehr-see | I’m fine, thank you |
| Au revoir | oh ruh-vwar | Goodbye |
| À bientôt | ah byan-toh | See you soon |
Example Conversation:
- Salut! Comment ça va?
- Ça va bien, merci. Et toi?
(Hi! How are you? / I’m fine, thank you. And you?)
Mini Vocabulary Tips
- Merci – Thank you 🙏
- S’il vous plaît – Please (formal)
- S’il te plaît – Please (informal)
- Oui / Non – Yes / No ✅❌
These simple words help you sound polite and confident when greeting someone in French.
Conclusion
Now you know how to say hi in French? 🎉 From casual Salut to formal Bonjour, and even playful Coucou, you’re ready to start greeting like a local. Practice these phrases daily, and don’t forget to add a smile! The more you use them, the more natural they’ll feel. Remember, language learning is fun—so greet, chat, and enjoy the French way of saying hi!
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.
Dedicated to exploring human emotions, relationships, and societal challenges, John brings authenticity and depth to every page he writes. When he’s not working on his next manuscript, you can find him in his cozy office, surrounded by books, a warm cup of coffee by his side, and his laptop always within reach.
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