If you aim to converse like a true French speaker, knowing various greetings is essential. While “bonjour” (hello) is a widely recognized way to greet people during the day, the French language offers a rich tapestry of expressions to say “hello,” each nuanced by context and relationship.
Understanding the appropriate French translation of “hello” for different situations and individuals is a significant advantage in effective communication. It’s as crucial as grasping essential tips for learning French quickly!
Common and Formal Ways to Say Hello in French
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Bonjour: The quintessential French “hello,” “bonjour,” literally translates to “good day.” In formal settings, politeness dictates adding a title, such as “Bonjour madame” (Good day, madam) or “Bonjour monsieur” (Good day, sir). “Bonjour” is versatile, suitable when entering a waiting room, elevator, or shop. Among friends and family, cheek kissing remains a common custom. If you learn French in Southern France, you’ll observe the local Riviera custom of two kisses, starting with the left cheek!
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Bonsoir: Figuring out when to switch from “bonjour” to “bonsoir” (good evening) can be tricky, even for native French speakers! Generally, “bonsoir” becomes appropriate as the day transitions into evening.
Informal Ways to Say Hi in French
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Coucou: Pronounced /kuku/, “coucou” is an informal and affectionate greeting, best used with close friends and family. It’s a casual “hi” in French. As a noun, “coucou” signifies a quick pop-in visit. For instance, “Je passerai te faire un petit coucou” translates to “I’ll pop by soon.”
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Salut: The French word “salut” (/saly/) is a versatile informal greeting, serving both as “hi” and “goodbye.” It’s used amongst people you address informally with “tu.” The phrase “Salut, tu vas bien?” (Hi, you okay?) gained fame from the French comedy sketch Auteuil, Neuilly, Passy by Les Inconnus, satirizing Parisian “bobos” (bourgeois bohemians).
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Slang Greetings: French informal greetings extend to slang expressions. “Ça roule ?”, “Ça baigne ?”, and “Ça gaze ?” are colloquial ways to ask a friend “How’s it going?” or inquire if a situation is okay. “Ça roule” can also express agreement. For example: “Tu veux venir voir un film ce soir ?” “Ok ça roule !” (Do you want to see a movie tonight?” “Sure, sounds good!”). Conversely, “Ça baigne avec tes nouveaux collègues ?” asks “How are things going with your new colleagues?”
Greetings When Meeting Someone New in French
- Enchanté: “Enchanté !” is the standard polite expression when meeting someone for the first time, conveying “Pleased to meet you.” While it literally means “delighted,” the abbreviated form, shortened from “je suis enchanté de faire votre connaissance” (I am delighted to make your acquaintance), can sometimes sound slightly less formal. While grammatically correct, some etiquette purists advise using the full phrase for a more refined impression.
How to Say Hello on the Phone in French
- Allô: When answering the phone in France, “Allô” is the universal greeting. This interjection, appearing in France in the late 19th century, is the standard way to initiate a phone conversation. “Allô, qui est à l’appareil ?” means “Hello, who’s calling?” Be aware that while “allô” is the French phone greeting, it differs from the general English “hello” or the broader usage of “allo” in Quebec. To avoid common mistakes, learning about frequent errors in French is beneficial.
Other French Greetings: Asking “How are you?”
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Ça va bien ?: To casually ask “Hello, how are you?” to friends in French, “Ça va bien ?” (How are you?) is widely used. Responses include “ça va, merci” (I’m fine, thanks), “tout va bien” (Everything’s fine), or the informal “ça roule” (Okay). If you’re not feeling great, “comme ci, comme ça” (So-so) or “comme un lundi” (like a Monday – not great) are suitable replies.
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Comment allez-vous ?: For a more formal “Hello, how are you?” in French, use “Comment allez-vous ?” (How are you?). This polite phrasing is appropriate for neighbors, superiors at work, or people you don’t know well.
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Quoi de neuf ?: While less common today, “Quoi de neuf ?” (What’s new?) is another French greeting, asking for updates or news. Here, “neuf” is synonymous with “nouveau” (new).
Mastering these diverse ways to say “hi” in French will significantly enhance your communication skills and allow you to connect more authentically with French speakers in various social contexts.
