{"id":50333,"date":"2025-07-07T15:42:41","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T14:42:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/?p=50333"},"modified":"2026-05-07T10:13:30","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T09:13:30","slug":"french-greetings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/blog\/french-greetings\/","title":{"rendered":"10+ common French greetings you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knowing how to greet people properly is essential\u2014especially in French culture, where greetings go beyond simple words. They convey respect, familiarity, and social awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide will walk you through the most common French greetings and the appropriate gestures to accompany them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Introduction to French greetings<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In France, greetings are more than polite formalities\u2014they&#8217;re social essentials. Saying <em>bonjour<\/em> when entering a shop, beginning a conversation, or joining a group is expected and considered a fundamental sign of good manners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Neglecting to greet someone can be seen as rude or dismissive, even in casual interactions. That&#8217;s why mastering the art of greeting in French is so important\u2014and exactly what we&#8217;re here to help you do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/French-greetings-683x1024.png\" alt=\"French greetings\" class=\"wp-image-74445\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/French-greetings-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/French-greetings-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/French-greetings-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/French-greetings.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common French greetings you should know<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Bonjour \/ Bonsoir<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Meaning<\/strong>: Good morning \/ Good evening \/ Hello<br><strong>Use<\/strong>: Universal and polite<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Bonjour<\/em> is the most standard and widely used French greeting. It fits in nearly every setting\u2014shops, classrooms, workplaces, or when meeting someone new. It\u2019s customary to greet everyone with <em>bonjour<\/em> when you enter a room or space. After around 6 PM, switch to <em>bonsoir<\/em> (good evening).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Salut \/ Coucou<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Meaning<\/strong>: Hi \/ Hi there<br><strong>Use<\/strong>: Informal, with friends and peers<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Salut<\/em> is a casual, friendly greeting. <em>Coucou<\/em> is even more playful and affectionate, often used with close friends, children, or in text messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. \u00c0 bient\u00f4t \/ \u00c0 demain \/ \u00c0 tout \u00e0 l\u2019heure<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Meaning<\/strong>: See you soon \/ See you tomorrow \/ See you later<br><strong>Use<\/strong>: Friendly, forward-looking farewells<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These phrases express an expectation of seeing the person again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>\u00c0 tout \u00e0 l\u2019heure<\/em>: When you\u2019ll see them again later the same day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>\u00c0 bient\u00f4t<\/em>: When you hope to see them again soon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>\u00c0 demain<\/em>: When you\u2019ll see them the next day<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Bonne journ\u00e9e \/ Bonne soir\u00e9e \/ Bonne nuit<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Meaning<\/strong>: Have a good day \/ Have a good evening \/ Good night<br><strong>Use<\/strong>: Parting wishes, depending on the time of day<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These phrases are polite ways to wish someone well when saying goodbye, depending on the time of day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Bonne journ\u00e9e<\/em>: Used in the morning or afternoon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Bonne soir\u00e9e<\/em>: Used in the evening, for example when leaving work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Bonne nuit<\/em>: Reserved for bedtime or saying goodnight to close ones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Au revoir<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Meaning:<\/strong> Goodbye<br><strong>Use:<\/strong> Standard and respectful farewell<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the go-to goodbye in almost all situations, formal or casual. It\u2019s polite and neutral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. All\u00f4<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Meaning<\/strong>: Hello (on the telephone)<br><strong>Use<\/strong>: Only on the telephone<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Used exclusively when answering or starting a phone call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Bienvenue <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Meaning<\/strong>: Welcome<br><strong>Use<\/strong>: To welcome someone to a place or event<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Say this when someone arrives at your home, event, or city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Enchant\u00e9<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Meaning:<\/strong> Nice to meet you<br><strong>Use:<\/strong> Polite, when meeting someone for the first time<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Enchant\u00e9<\/em> is appropriate for most casual and semi-formal contexts. In professional settings, you can also say <em>Ravi(e) de faire votre connaissance<\/em> for a more formal tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Informal French greetings<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among younger generations, you\u2019ll often hear slang greetings like <em>yo<\/em> or <em>wesh<\/em> instead of <em>salut<\/em>. These are usually followed by casual check-ins like <em>La forme ?<\/em> (Feeling good?), <em>\u00c7a roule ?<\/em> (How\u2019s it going?) or <em>Quoi de neuf ?<\/em> (What\u2019s up?). These phrases are strictly for informal, friendly contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">French people also frequently shorten standard phrases in casual conversation. For example: <em>\u00c0 plus tard<\/em> becomes <em>\u00c0 plus<\/em>, and <em>\u00c0 tout \u00e0 l\u2019heure<\/em> becomes <em>\u00c0 toute<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>La bise (cheek kiss)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although it might feel unfamiliar at first, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cheek_kissing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">la bise<\/a><\/em>\u2014a light kiss on the cheeks\u2014is a deeply rooted part of French culture. It\u2019s the customary greeting among friends, family, colleagues in informal workplaces, or even acquaintances like a friend of a friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typically, both people greet each other while kissing each cheek lightly. The number of kisses varies by region, ranging from two to four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>La poign\u00e9e de main (Handshake)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In formal or professional contexts, or when <em>la bise<\/em> feels inappropriate, a handshake is the standard. It\u2019s firm, brief, and used when meeting someone or concluding a meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Greetings in French \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7\ud83d\udc4b\ud83c\udffb #shorts\" width=\"563\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tTQOjWz7pLA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to address people with the right title<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using appropriate titles in French demonstrates respect and cultural awareness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When in doubt, default to <em>Bonjour Monsieur<\/em> or <em>Bonjour Madame<\/em> rather than a simple <em>Bonjour<\/em>. If you want to show even more cultural fluency, here are common titles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Title<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Meaning<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Monsieur<\/strong><\/td><td>Mr.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Madame<\/strong><\/td><td>Mrs.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mademoiselle<\/strong><\/td><td>Miss<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Docteur<\/strong><\/td><td>Doctor<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Professeur<\/strong><\/td><td>Professor \/ Teacher<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ma\u00eetre<\/strong><\/td><td>Lawyer \/ Legal professional<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Directeur \/ Directrice<\/strong><\/td><td>Director \/ Principal<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more information about French language and culture, keep following our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/blog\/\"><strong>Go! Go! France blog<\/strong><\/a>.<br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Knowing how to greet people properly is essential\u2014especially in French culture, where greetings go beyond simple words. They convey respect, familiarity, and social awareness. This guide will walk you through the most common French greetings and the appropriate gestures to accompany them. Introduction to French greetings In France, greetings are more than polite formalities\u2014they&#8217;re social [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":123,"featured_media":74471,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1639],"tags":[1286],"class_list":["post-50333","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-learn-french","tag-learn-french-2"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50333","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/123"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50333"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50333\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":87669,"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50333\/revisions\/87669"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/74471"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50333"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50333"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50333"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}