howto.org.in

How to Say Hello in French

Learn how to say hello in French with simple greetings, pronunciation, formal and casual use, common mistakes, examples, and FAQs.

EducationEdited by Pramod Tiwari
2 min read

Quick Answer

To say hello in French, use “bonjour” in most daytime situations. Use “salut” casually with friends, and “bonsoir” in the evening.

Useful Phrases

  • Bonjour
  • Salut
  • Bonsoir
  • Madame or Monsieur if formal
  • Pronunciation practice

Safety Precautions

  • Use “bonjour” before asking questions in polite settings.
  • Use “salut” only in casual situations.
  • Remember greetings vary by region and relationship.
  • Do not rely only on literal translation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Start with bonjour

    Use “bonjour” for hello or good day in most situations.

  2. Step 2

    Practice pronunciation

    Say it roughly as bohn-ZHOOR, with a soft final sound.

  3. Step 3

    Use salut casually

    Use “salut” with friends or informal peers.

  4. Step 4

    Use bonsoir at night

    Say “bonsoir” for good evening.

  5. Step 5

    Add politeness

    Use “bonjour Madame” or “bonjour Monsieur” in formal settings.

  6. Step 6

    Match the setting

    Choose formal greetings for shops, work, or strangers.

  7. Step 7

    Practice short exchanges

    Pair the greeting with a simple “comment ca va?” if appropriate.

Practical Example

Example: When entering a small shop in Paris, you say “Bonjour Madame” before asking a question.

Common Mistakes

  • Using salut with strangers
  • Skipping greeting before a request
  • Pronouncing the final r too strongly
  • Using bonsoir too early
  • Assuming one phrase fits every setting
  • Forgetting polite titles

Troubleshooting

You are unsure of formality

Use “bonjour” because it is broadly polite.

Pronunciation feels difficult

Listen to native audio and repeat slowly.

You need evening greeting

Use “bonsoir.”

You want casual hello

Use “salut” with friends or informal contacts.

FAQs

What is the most common hello in French?

“Bonjour” is the safest and most common greeting.

Is salut formal?

No, “salut” is casual.

What does bonsoir mean?

It means good evening.

Should I say bonjour in shops?

Yes, it is polite to greet before asking for help.

Lifestyle2 min read

How to Learn French

Learn how to learn French with pronunciation, useful phrases, grammar, listening, speaking, vocabulary review, mistakes, troubleshooting, and FAQs.

Lifestyle2 min read

How to Learn a New Language

Learn how to learn a new language with goals, pronunciation, vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading, practice routines, mistakes, and FAQs.

Help us improve this guide

Tell us about an outdated instruction, unclear step, broken link or safety concern. Do not include passwords, account numbers, medical records or other sensitive information.

Email a correction or suggestion