Bonjour! Ready to greet the world in the charming language of France? Learning how to say good morning in French will open doors to meaningful conversations and unforgettable experiences during your travels or interactions with French speakers. The vibrant tapestry of French culture is woven with nuances and expressions, and a simple “bonjour” can convey a world of warmth and politeness. Let’s dive into the intricacies of French greetings and discover the delectable variations that will make your morning salutations truly memorable.
In the realm of French greetings, “bonjour” reigns supreme as the classic and versatile way to say good morning. This timeless expression, pronounced “bohn-zhoor,” is a universal opener for any occasion, whether you’re meeting a close friend, a respected colleague, or a stranger on the street. Its simplicity and elegance make it a safe choice that will always be met with a smile. However, if you’re looking to add a touch of formality or politeness, the phrase “bonjour madame” for a woman or “bonjour monsieur” for a man can elevate your greeting to a new level of sophistication.
As the sun paints the sky with its golden hues, the French have a delightful array of expressions to wish you a good morning. “Bon matin” (“bohn mah-tan”) is a more specific greeting used exclusively in the morning hours, conveying a sense of warmth and informality. If you’re feeling particularly chipper, the exuberant “bonjournée” (“bohn-zhoor-nay”) will add a touch of cheerfulness to your greeting. And for those who prefer a more casual approach, the colloquial “salut” (“sah-loo”) is a friendly way to say good morning among peers or acquaintances.
The Basics of “Good Morning” in French
In French, the most common way to say “good morning” is “bonjour” (pronounced: bon-zhoor). This phrase is typically used between 6am and 12pm. In a formal setting, or when you first meet someone, you may also want to say “bonjour, madame” (pronounced: bon-zhoor, ma-dam) if you’re speaking to a woman, or “bonjour, monsieur” (pronounced: bon-zhoor, muh-syuh) if you’re speaking to a man.
If you’re not sure what time it is, or if you’re greeting someone in the afternoon or evening, you can use the phrase “bonsoir” (pronounced: bon-swahr). This phrase is typically used between 6pm and 8pm, but can also be used later in the evening.
Here is a table summarizing the different ways to say “good morning” in French, depending on the time of day and the formality of the situation:
| Time of Day | Formal | Informal |
|---|---|---|
| Morning (6am-12pm) | Bonjour, madame / Bonjour, monsieur | Bonjour |
| Afternoon/Evening (6pm-8pm) | Bonsoir, madame / Bonsoir, monsieur | Bonsoir |
When saying “good morning” in French, it’s important to make eye contact and smile. You should also speak clearly and at a moderate pace.
Formal Greetings for Bonjour
When greeting someone in a formal setting, it is important to use the correct form of address. Bonjour is the most common way to say good morning, but there are a few variations that you can use depending on the situation.
Bonjour, Monsieur/Madame (Good morning, Mr./Ms.)
This is the most formal way to greet someone in French. It is typically used when addressing a person of authority, such as a teacher, doctor, or lawyer. To make the greeting more polite, you can add the person’s last name after Monsieur or Madame.
Bonjour, Mademoiselle (Good morning, Miss)
This greeting is used when addressing a young woman who is unmarried. It is considered to be more formal than Bonjour, madame, but less formal than Bonjour, mademoiselle.
Bonjour, tout le monde! (Good morning, everyone!)
This greeting is used when addressing a group of people. It is a more informal way to say good morning, and it is typically used in casual settings.
| Formal Greeting | Situation |
|—|—|
| Bonjour, Monsieur | Greeting a man in a formal setting |
| Bonjour, Madame | Greeting a woman in a formal setting |
| Bonjour, Mademoiselle | Greeting a young woman who is unmarried |
| Bonjour, tout le monde! | Greeting a group of people |
Slang and Informal Ways of Saying “Good Morning”
French slang and informal expressions for “good morning” are commonplace and add color to everyday conversations. Here are some of the most common ones:
Table of Slang and Informal Ways of Saying “Good Morning”
| Expression | Translation |
|---|---|
| Salut | Hi, Hello |
| Yo | Yo |
| Tchus | ‘Sup |
| Boujourr | Heyyy (elongating the “o”) |
| Coucou | Peekaboo |
These expressions are typically used among friends, family, and people who know each other well. They can be used in both formal and informal settings, but it’s important to consider the context and the relationship between the speakers.
When using slang or informal expressions, it’s important to be respectful of the other person’s culture and customs. It’s also a good idea to avoid using them in professional or formal settings unless you’re sure they’re appropriate.
Time-Specific Greetings: Matin, Midi, and Soir
In French, you can use different greetings depending on the time of day.
Matin
**Meaning:** Morning
**Used From:** Sunrise to noon
**Formal Greeting:** Bonjour
**Informal Greeting:** Salut, Coucou
Midi
**Meaning:** Midday
**Used From:** Noon to 2 PM
**Formal Greeting:** Bonjour
**Informal Greeting:** Salut, Coucou
Soir
**Meaning:** Evening or Night
**Used From:** 6 PM to midnight
**Formal Greeting:** Bonsoir
**Informal Greeting:** Salut, Coucou
Additional Notes:
- Bonjour is the most common greeting in French and can be used at any time of day, but it is most appropriate for morning and afternoon.
- Salut and Coucou are informal greetings that are commonly used among friends and family.
- Bonsoir is only used in the evening or at night.
Regional Variations in Morning Greetings
In France, there are many regional variations in how people say good morning. Here are a few of the most common:
| Region | Greeting | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Paris | Bonjour | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lyon | Bonne journée | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marseille | Couco ma poule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Toulouse | Salut |
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| “Je vous souhaite une agréable journée” | I wish you a pleasant day |
| “Merci, de même à vous” | Thank you, and the same to you |
| “Ravi(e) de vous rencontrer” | Nice to meet you |
| “Au revoir, passez une bonne journée” | Goodbye, have a nice day |
Formal Greetings: Bonjour
Bonjour is the most common and formal way to say good morning in French. It is used in both professional and social settings. Bonjour can be used at any time of day, but it is most commonly used in the morning.
Informal Greetings: Salut
Salut is an informal way to say good morning in French. It is commonly used among friends and family. Salut can be used at any time of day, but it is most commonly used in the morning.
Local Dialect Greetings:
There are many local dialect greetings in France. Some of the most common include:
| Region | Greeting |
|---|---|
| Northwestern France (Brittany) | Demat |
| Southwestern France (Gascony) | Boumjour |
| Southeastern France (Provence) | Bounjour |
Time of Day Greetings:
The time of day can also affect how you say good morning in French.
| Time of Day | Greeting |
|---|---|
| Morning (before noon) | Bonjour |
| Afternoon (after noon) | Bon après-midi |
| Evening (after 6pm) | Bonsoir |
Tone and Context in French Greetings
The tone and context in which you say good morning in French can also affect the meaning of your greeting.
Formal Settings:
In formal settings, it is important to use a polite and respectful tone. Bonjour is the most appropriate greeting in these settings.
Informal Settings:
In informal settings, you can use a more relaxed tone. Salut is a common choice in these settings.
Time of Day:
The time of day can also affect the tone of your greeting. For example, bonjour is often said with a more upbeat tone in the morning, while bonsoir is often said with a more relaxed tone in the evening.
Relationship:
The relationship between the speaker and the listener can also affect the tone of the greeting. For example, salut is often used between friends and family, while bonjour is more appropriate for strangers or acquaintances.
Cultural Etiquette Surrounding Morning Greetings
In French culture, morning greetings are considered an important part of social etiquette. There are various factors to consider when greeting someone in the morning, including the time of day, the formality of the situation, and the relationship between the individuals involved.
Greetings by Time of Day
The most common morning greeting in French is “Bonjour”, which translates to “Good day”. It is typically used from sunrise until noon.
| Time of Day | Greeting |
|—|—|
| Sunrise to noon | Bonjour |
| After noon | Bonsoir |
Formal and Informal Greetings
The formality of the situation also influences the choice of morning greeting. In formal settings, such as business meetings, the traditional greeting is “Madame” (for women) or “Monsieur” (for men), followed by the person’s surname. In informal settings, the more colloquial “Salut” (Hello) is often used.
| Formality | Greeting |
|—|—|
| Formal | Madame/Monsieur, bonjour |
| Informal | Salut |
Greetings Based on Relationship
The relationship between the individuals also affects the morning greeting. Close friends and family members may exchange more informal greetings, such as “Ça va?” (How are you?) or “Comment tu vas?” (How are you doing?).
| Relationship | Greeting |
|—|—|
| Close friends/family | Ça va? |
| Acquaintances/colleagues | Bonjour, comment allez-vous? |
How to Greet Someone You Know Well
When greeting someone you know well in French, you have several options, depending on the level of formality and the relationship you share.
1. Bonjour
Bonjour is the standard way to say “good morning” in French. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.
2. Salut
Salut is a more informal way to say “hello” or “hi.” It is commonly used among friends and family.
3. Ça va?
Ça va is a question that means “how are you?” It is a common way to greet someone in a casual setting.
4. Tu vas bien?
Tu vas bien is another way to say “how are you?” It is more formal than Ça va and is typically used with people you don’t know well.
5. Comment ça va?
Comment ça va is a more formal way to say “how are you?” It is typically used in professional settings.
6. Bonjour, [name]
If you are greeting someone by name, you can add their name after bonjour. This is a more personal way to greet someone.
7. Salut, [name]
You can also add someone’s name after salut. This is a more informal way to greet someone.
8. Ça va, [name]?
You can also add someone’s name after Ça va. This is a more casual way to greet someone.
9. Good Morning in Different French Speaking Countries
The way you say “good morning” in French can vary depending on the country you are in. Here is a table showing some of the different ways to say “good morning” in French-speaking countries:
| Country | Phrase |
|---|---|
| France | Bonjour |
| Canada (Quebec) | Bonjour |
| Belgium | Bonjour |
| Switzerland | Bonjour |
| Luxembourg | Bonjour |
| Monaco | Bonjour |
Using “Good Morning” in Situations
1. Formal Situations
In formal settings, such as business meetings or academic environments, use “Bonjour, madame/monsieur” (Good morning, Madam/Sir). For groups, say “Bonjour à tous” (Good morning to all).
2. Informal Situations
Among friends, family, or colleagues, use “Salut” (Hi) or “Couc, couc” (Hello). In casual settings, “Bon matin” (Good morning) is also acceptable.
3. Answering the Phone
When answering a business phone call, use “Bonjour, [company name]” (Good morning, [company name]). For personal calls, say “Allô, c’est [your name]” (Hello, this is [your name]).
4. Greeting Colleagues
In the workplace, greet colleagues with “Bonjour” (Good morning). If you have not seen someone for a while, you can add “Enchanté(e) de vous revoir” (Delighted to see you again).
5. Greeting Students
Teachers typically greet students with “Bonjour, la classe” (Good morning, class). Students can respond with “Bonjour, Monsieur/Madame” (Good morning, Sir/Madam).
6. Greeting Guests
When welcoming guests to your home, say “Bienvenue chez moi” (Welcome to my home). Follow up with “Bonjour” (Good morning).
7. Greeting Strangers
If you encounter a stranger in a public place, you can say “Bonjour” (Good morning) to be polite, especially in small towns or rural areas.
8. Greeting a Group
To greet a group of people, use “Bonjour à tous” (Good morning to all) or “Salut à tous” (Hi to all).
9. Responding to “Good Morning”
If someone greets you with “Bonjour,” the appropriate response is “Bonjour” (Good morning) or “Salut” (Hi).
10. Polite Variations and Expressions
| Expression | Meaning |
|—|—|
| Bonjour, mademoiselle/madame | Good morning, Miss/Madam |
| Bonjour, monsieur | Good morning, Sir |
| Bien le bonjour | A very good morning |
| Passez une bonne journée | Have a good day |
| Prenez soin de vous | Take care |
How To Say Good Morning In French
Bonjour is the most common way to say good morning in French. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, and is appropriate for any time of the day before noon. When greeting someone in the morning, it is customary to make eye contact and smile. You can also say “Bonjour, madame” (good morning, madam) or “Bonjour, monsieur” (good morning, sir) if you know the person’s gender.
Here are some other ways to say good morning in French:
- Salut (informal, among friends)
- Coucou (informal, among close friends)
- Bonne journée (good day)
- Bon matin (good morning, more formal)
People Also Ask
How do you respond to bonjour?
The most common response to bonjour is “bonjour” (good morning). You can also say “merci” (thank you) or “bonjour, madame/monsieur” (good morning, madam/sir).
What is the difference between bonjour and salut?
Bonjour is a more formal greeting than salut. Bonjour is appropriate for any time of the day before noon, while salut is more commonly used in the morning. Salut is also more informal than bonjour, and is typically used among friends and family.
How do you say good morning to a stranger in French?
The most common way to say good morning to a stranger in French is “bonjour”. You can also say “bonjour, madame/monsieur” (good morning, madam/sir) if you know the person’s gender.
