French greetings change depending on whether the context is formal or informal. Using the appropriate form shows respect and helps you fit in smoothly, whether you're meeting a friend or addressing someone in a professional setting.
- Formal greetings are used in professional settings, with strangers, or with people older than you.
- Informal greetings are for friends, family, and peers.
- Using the wrong form can be seen as rude or awkward.
Formal Greetings
In formal situations, French uses polite expressions and often includes titles.
- “Bonjour” (Good day) is the safest formal greeting for most occasions.
- “Bonsoir” (Good evening) is used after around 6 p.m.
- When addressing someone, use “Monsieur” (Mr.), “Madame” (Mrs.), or “Mademoiselle” (Miss) along with the greeting.
- Handshakes are common for formal greetings among adults.
Formal Greetings Examples:
| Time | Greeting | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime | Bonjour, Monsieur/Madame | Work, meeting strangers |
| Evening | Bonsoir, Monsieur/Madame | Formal dinner, events |
| Farewell | Au revoir, à bientôt | Everyone |
- Bonjour, Madame. (Good morning, Ma'am.)
- Bonsoir, Monsieur. (Good evening, Sir.)
- Enchanté(e) de faire votre connaissance. (Pleased to meet you.)
'Bonjour' is used during the day, and 'Bonsoir' is used in the evening.
'Monsieur', 'Madame', and 'Mademoiselle' are used as formal titles.
Informal Greetings
For casual situations, French uses simpler and more relaxed expressions.
- “Salut” means both hello and goodbye among friends.
- “Coucou” is an even more casual, playful hello, often among close friends or family.
- A kiss on both cheeks (la bise) is common among friends and family instead of a handshake.
Informal Greetings Examples:
| Greeting | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Salut | Hi/Bye | Friends, classmates |
| Coucou | Hey there | Close friends/family |
| Ça va? | How’s it going? | Informal check-in |
- Salut, ça va? (Hi, how are you?)
- Coucou! (Hey there!)
'Salut' is used only in informal contexts.
Common informal greetings include 'Salut', 'Coucou', and 'Ça va?'.
The “Vous” vs. “Tu” Distinction
French also distinguishes formality through the pronouns and verb forms used: “vous” for formal and “tu” for informal.
- Use “vous” when greeting people you don’t know well, in professional settings, or when addressing elders.
- Use “tu” with friends, family, and peers of the same age.
Examples:
| Context | Pronoun | Greeting Example |
|---|---|---|
| Formal | Vous | Bonjour, comment vous allez-vous? (Hello, how are you?) |
| Informal | Tu | Salut, comment tu vas? (Hi, how are you?) |
You use 'vous' for formal greetings.
'Tu' is used with friends, family, and peers, not with strangers or in formal settings.
Conclusion
Understanding when and how to use formal vs. informal greetings in French is essential for showing respect and fitting in seamlessly, whether you’re at a business meeting or chatting with friends.
- Use formal greetings (Bonjour, Bonsoir + titles) in professional or new relationships.
- Use informal greetings (Salut, Coucou) with people you know well.
- Remember the “vous” vs. “tu” rule for pronouns and verb forms.
'Bonjour, Monsieur' is a common formal greeting.
'Salut' and 'Coucou' are informal greetings.
'Vous' is used in formal situations or with strangers.