The most common French greetings you should know are Bonjour (hello/good morning), Salut (hi), Bonsoir (good evening), and Bonne nuit (good night). These are used daily in France and are essential for polite communication.
If you’re learning French, greetings are the first step to starting conversations and making a good impression. From casual Salut with friends to a polite Bonjour, Madame, choosing the right phrase depends on the time of day and the level of formality.
Why Learn French Greetings?
Learning French greetings is the easiest way to start sounding more natural in conversations. A quick ‘bonjour‘ can break the ice and create a positive first impression, instantly showing respect.
Plus, when you use the right greeting at the right time, you’ll blend in effortlessly and avoid those little awkward moments we all dread. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in how confident and connected you feel while speaking French.
Basic French Greetings You Should Know
Here are some of the most common French greetings and when to use them:
- Bonjour – Good morning / Hello. Used during the day in almost any situation, formal or informal.
- Salut – Hi. Casual and best with friends, family, or peers.
- Bonsoir – Good evening. Used after around 6 pm, suitable for both formal and informal situations.
- Coucou – Hey there / Hi. Playful greeting, usually with close friends, kids, or family.
- Bonne nuit – Good night. Said before going to bed, works in both formal and informal contexts.
- Allô – Hello (on the phone). Only used when answering or making phone calls.
- Bienvenue – Welcome. Used when greeting someone arriving, suitable for all contexts.
- Ça va? – How’s it going? Very common, everyday casual greeting among friends.
- Enchanté(e) – Nice to meet you. Said when meeting someone for the first time, both formal and informal.
How to Say Goodbye in French
Just as important as saying hello is knowing how to say goodbye. Here are the most common ways to part in French:
Just as important as saying hello is knowing how to say goodbye. Here are the most common ways to part in French:
- Au revoir – The standard and polite way to say goodbye. Safe to use in almost any situation.
- Salut – Casual bye, used only with friends, family, or peers.
- À bientôt – Means see you soon, when you expect to meet again.
- À plus (or À plus tard) – Informal: see you later.
- À demain – See you tomorrow, if you know you’ll meet the next day.
- Bonne journée – Have a good day, used when leaving during the day.
- Bonne soirée – Have a good evening, when parting in the evening.
- Adieu – A very formal farewell, rarely used, usually when you don’t expect to see the person again soon.
- Au plaisir de vous revoir – Looking forward to seeing you again (formal parting phrase)
Quick Tip: If you’re unsure which one to use, Au revoir is always safe and polite. Know the 20 Ways to say goodbye in French.
French Greetings for Holidays and Celebrations
French people love exchanging good wishes during holidays, special occasions, and celebrations. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Joyeux Noël! – Merry Christmas
- Joyeuses Fêtes! – Happy Holidays
- Bonne année! – Happy New Year
- Meilleurs vœux! – Best wishes (commonly used at New Year)
- Joyeuses Pâques! – Happy Easter
- Bonne fête! – Happy Name Day (or used for birthdays in some regions)
- Bon anniversaire! – Happy Birthday
- Félicitations! – Congratulations (for weddings, achievements, etc.)
- Bonne chance! – Good luck
- Bonnes vacances! – Have a good holiday/vacation
Quick Tip: During the New Year season, French people often say Bonne année along with Meilleurs vœux to wish health, happiness, and success for the year ahead.
Introductions in French
If you’re introducing yourself to someone new, these basic phrases will help you do so politely, respond naturally, and make a good first impression.
1. Introducing Yourself
- Je m’appelle [Name]. – My name is [Name].
- Comment vous appelez-vous ? – What is your name? (formal)
- Comment tu t’appelles ? – What’s your name? (informal)
- Voici [Name]. – This is [Name]. (introducing someone else)
2. Responding to Introductions
- Enchanté(e). – Nice to meet you. The most common and natural response. Add (e) if you’re female.
- Très heureux (de vous rencontrer). – Very happy (to meet you). A more formal or elegant alternative to Enchanté.
- Ravi(e) de faire votre connaissance. – Delighted to make your acquaintance. Formal and polite, often used in professional settings.
- Heureux de vous rencontrer. – Happy to meet you. Another polite variation, slightly less formal than Ravi(e).
Greetings for Emails in French
When writing emails, the greeting depends on how formal or informal your relationship is with the recipient.
1. Formal Email Greetings
- Monsieur [Last Name], – Dear Mr. [Last Name],
- Madame [Last Name], – Dear Ms. [Last Name],
- Madame, Monsieur, – Dear Sir/Madam (when you don’t know the name)
- Cher Monsieur [Last Name], – Dear Mr. [Last Name] (slightly less formal but still polite)
- Chère Madame [Last Name], – Dear Ms. [Last Name]
2. Polite Closings for Emails
- Cordialement, – Kind regards
- Bien à vous, – Yours sincerely
- Avec mes salutations distinguées, – With my distinguished regards (very formal)
- Amicalement, – Best wishes / Yours truly (friendly)
- À bientôt, – See you soon (informal)
Boost Your French Progress with French As You Like It
Learning greetings is a great starting point, but real progress in French comes from building your vocabulary, practising conversation, and gaining confidence to use the language every day. At French As You Like It, we offer flexible lessons to help you do just that.
With private French lessons in Paris, you get one-to-one attention tailored to your goals. And with our French Lessons Online, you can learn from anywhere while enjoying the same personalised teaching.
Whether you’re a beginner learning how to introduce yourself or an advanced learner refining your skills, our courses make French practical, enjoyable, and easy to use in real life.
Conclusion
Mastering common French greetings is the easiest way to start sounding natural and polite in conversations. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time, chatting with friends, or leaving for the evening, knowing the right expression will help you connect better and avoid awkward moments.