How to Say Hello in French—from “Bonjour” to “Coucou”

Learning French greetings is a great way to start a conversation when traveling to French-speaking countries or simply expanding your language skills. A friendly greeting can make a great first impression and set the tone for a meaningful interaction.

Just like English, French has various greetings for different situations. From the universally recognized "bonjour" to the affectionate "coucou", mastering these greetings is essential to navigate social interactions confidently. Understanding the cultural context behind each greeting is just as important as memorizing the words.

By exploring the full spectrum of French greetings, you'll be able to make a great impression when speaking with French natives and have more meaningful conversations.

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The Importance of French Greetings

The significance of French greetings cannot be overstated in French culture. Knowing the right way to say hello in French is one of the most important steps in your journey to mastering the language.

Learning French greetings should be your first priority when studying the language, as they open the door to every conversation. In France, proper greetings aren't just polite—they're essential cultural markers that show respect and understanding.

Why Learning Greetings Should Be Your First Step

French people place tremendous importance on greeting rituals, and skipping a proper greeting can be considered quite rude. Mastering these greetings will dramatically improve your interactions with French speakers and help you integrate into French culture.

Cultural Significance of Proper Greetings in France

Understanding the cultural significance behind French greetings gives you insight into French values around politeness and social interaction. The way you greet someone in France can set the tone for your entire relationship, making these seemingly simple phrases incredibly powerful.

Learning when to use formal versus informal greetings demonstrates your cultural awareness and respect for French social norms. By grasping the nuances of French greetings, you can navigate various social situations with confidence.

Basic Ways to Say Hello in French

When it comes to greeting someone in French, there are a few basic ways to say hello that are essential to know. Mastering these greetings will help you navigate various social situations with confidence.

"Bonjour" - The Universal French Greeting

"Bonjour" is a versatile greeting that can be used in both formal and informal settings. It translates to "good day" but is commonly used as a universal hello in French. You can use "bonjour" in virtually all situations, from morning until early evening. It's a safe choice when you're unsure of the appropriate greeting.

"Bonsoir" - The Evening Alternative

As the evening begins, typically around 6 PM, "bonsoir" becomes the appropriate greeting. It translates to "good evening" and is used to greet someone in a more formal or polite manner during the evening hours. Understanding when to switch from "bonjour" to "bonsoir" will help you sound more authentic and respectful.

Casual French Greetings for Friends and Family

When interacting with friends and family in French, it's essential to know the casual greetings that natives use daily. These greetings can make your interactions sound more natural and friendly.

"Salut" - The French "Hey"

Salut is a more informal way to say hello in French, similar to "hi" or "hey." It's best used with people you know well, such as friends and family. Interestingly, salut can also mean "bye" or "bye-bye," making it versatile for starting and ending conversations.

"Coucou" - An Affectionate Hello

Coucou is a playful and affectionate greeting, often used between close friends, family members, or when speaking to children. While it's fun and friendly, its informality means it's not suitable for all audiences, especially in formal settings.

"Quoi de neuf?" - The French "What's up?"

Quoi de neuf? translates to "what's new?" and is used similarly to the English "what's up?" It's a casual way to greet friends while inquiring about their life, making it a great expression for social interactions.

Time-Specific French Greetings

Mastering time-specific French greetings can elevate your language skills and make you sound more authentic. French speakers use various greetings throughout the day, and understanding these nuances is essential for effective communication.

Morning to Afternoon Greetings

In the morning until sunset, you can use "Bonne journée" to wish someone a good day. If you want to be more specific, you can say "Bon après-midi" from 2 pm onwards, or "Bonne fin d'après-midi" around 4:30 pm to wish someone a good rest of their afternoon.

Evening and Night Greetings

From sunset onwards, "Bonne soirée" is used to wish someone a good evening. If you're going to bed but the other person isn't, you can say "Bonne fin de soirée." When someone is going to bed, you can simply say "Bonne nuit" to wish them a good night.

How to Say Hello in French in Different Contexts

Understanding the context is crucial when choosing a French greeting, as it can significantly impact how your message is received. The way you greet someone can set the tone for the entire conversation.

Formal Situations and Business Settings

In formal situations and business settings, precision in your greeting choice matters. Using titles such as "monsieur" or "madame" along with "bonjour" can make a good impression. For example, "Bonjour, monsieur" or "Bonjour, madame" is a polite way to start a conversation in a professional setting.

Casual Encounters with Friends

When meeting friends, you can use more relaxed greetings like "salut" or "coucou." These greetings show familiarity without being disrespectful. For instance, saying "Salut, comment ça va?" is a friendly way to ask how someone is doing.

Meeting Someone for the First Time

When meeting someone for the first time, using "enchanté(e)" (pleased to meet you) is a nice touch. For example, "Bonjour, je m'appelle Benjamin. Enchanté(e)" is a polite way to introduce yourself.

Phone and Digital Greetings in French

As we increasingly rely on digital communication, learning the appropriate French greetings for phone calls and online interactions becomes essential. In this section, we'll explore how to greet someone over the phone and through digital means.

Allô - The Phone Greeting

"Allô" is a unique French greeting used primarily over the phone. It's said with a rising inflection, similar to asking a question. For example, "Allô?" or "Allô, c'est Michel. Pierre est là?" means "Hello? Hello, it's Michel. Is Pierre there?" Another example is "Allô? Tu es toujours là?" meaning "Hello? Are you still there?"

Email and Text Message Greetings

For digital communication, French greetings vary based on the level of formality. For casual emails, you can use "Bonjour" or "Salut," similar to "Hello" or "Hey" in English. For semi-formal emails, especially in professional settings, "Cher confrère" (for male colleagues) or "Chère consoeur" (for female colleagues) is appropriate, translating to "Dear colleague."

Regional Variations of French Greetings

Regional variations in French greetings offer a fascinating glimpse into the diverse cultural landscapes of French-speaking communities. As we explore these differences, we gain a deeper understanding of the nuances that make the French language so rich and varied.

Greetings in France vs. Canada

One of the most notable differences in French greetings can be observed between metropolitan France and Quebec, Canada. While "bonjour" is a universal greeting in both regions, Quebecers often use salut more frequently among friends, similar to how "hi" or "hey" is used in English. Additionally, Quebec French has adopted some unique expressions, such as "ça va?" or "comment ça va?" which are similar to "how's it going?" in English.

Other French-Speaking Regions

Beyond France and Quebec, other French-speaking regions have their own distinct greetings. In Belgium, for instance, you might hear "bonjour" followed by "comment allez-vous?" which is a more formal way of asking "how are you?" Swiss French speakers tend to use greetings similar to those in France but with some unique expressions influenced by local dialects. In many African French-speaking countries, French greetings are often blended with local languages, creating unique hybrid expressions.

Combining Greetings with "How Are You?" in French

To sound more natural in French, it's essential to learn how to combine greetings with questions like "How are you?" This combination creates a more engaging and polite conversation.

"Comment ça va?" and Its Variations

"Comment ça va?" is a classic way to ask "How are you?" in French. It can be used in various contexts, with variations like "Ça va?" for more casual encounters, and "Comment allez-vous?" for formal situations.

For instance, "Ça va?" is often used among friends or colleagues, while "Comment allez-vous?" is more suitable for formal or professional settings.

Appropriate Responses to "How Are You?"

When responding to "How are you?" in French, a simple "Ça va bien, merci" is often sufficient. This response acknowledges the question without going into too much detail, similar to how English speakers typically respond.

For example, if someone asks "Comment ça va?", you can reply with "Ça va bien, merci. Et toi?" meaning "I'm fine, thank you. And you?"

Common Mistakes When Saying Hello in French

Mastering French greetings requires more than just vocabulary; it demands an understanding of cultural subtleties. English speakers often encounter challenges when greeting in French due to direct translations and cultural misunderstandings.

Translation Errors to Avoid

One common mistake is translating greetings directly from English. For instance, while it might seem logical to say "bon matin" for "good morning," it's not a phrase commonly used in French. Instead, sticking with "bonjour" is more appropriate throughout the day. Another error is using outdated expressions like "adieu," which is overly formal and not used in everyday conversations.

Cultural Faux Pas in French Greetings

Cultural faux pas can also occur when greeting French speakers. For example, skipping greetings when entering shops is considered impolite. The timing of greetings also matters; using "bonjour" in the evening might mark you as a non-native speaker, as "bonsoir" is more appropriate after dusk. Understanding these nuances can help you communicate more authentically and respectfully in French-speaking environments.

French Greeting Etiquette

French greeting etiquette is not just about saying "hello" in French; it's also about the physical gestures that accompany your greeting. Understanding these customs can help you navigate social situations with confidence.

The Art of "La Bise"

"La bise," or the cheek kiss, is a fundamental part of French greeting culture. The number of kisses varies by region, ranging from one to four. For example, in Paris, it's common to exchange two kisses, while in other regions, it might be three or four. I'll guide you through when it's appropriate and how to do it correctly.

Handshakes and Other Physical Greetings

In more formal situations, a handshake is often preferred over "la bise." Understanding when to use a handshake versus "la bise" can make a significant difference in how you're perceived. For instance, in business settings, a firm handshake is a sign of respect.

Practice Makes Perfect: Mastering French Greetings

The key to confidently greeting in French lies in regular practice and exposure. To become proficient, it's essential to incorporate French greetings into your daily routine.

Pronunciation Tips

To learn French effectively, focus on correct pronunciation. Utilize the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to improve your pronunciation skills. Listening to native speakers through podcasts or videos can also help refine your accent.

Role-Playing Scenarios

Practicing ways to say hello in different contexts is vital. Engage in role-playing scenarios to become comfortable with various greeting situations, such as formal meetings or casual encounters with friends. This will help you master the different ways to greet in French.

Bonus Tip: Use AnyDoc Translator to See French Greetings in Real Contexts

Now that you’ve learned the many ways to say hello in French—from the classic "Bonjour" to the playful "Coucou"—it’s time to see these greetings in action across real conversations, emails, and cultural texts. AnyDoc Translator helps you move beyond memorization and into natural, native-like usage.

What Is AnyDoc Translator?

AnyDoc Translator is an AI-powered document and website translator from the WPS Office ecosystem, supporting 105+ languages and 30+ file formats (PDFs, emails, social media posts, and more). It keeps original formatting while providing context-aware translations—perfect for studying French greetings in authentic settings.

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Why Use AnyDoc for Learning French Greetings?

How to Use It

Step 1: Open your preferred web browser and access the AnyDoc Translator website.

Step 2: Upload your Korean document by selecting "Select from your Computer" or by dragging it into the upload area.

Step 3: Click on the "Language" dropdown menu and choose your target language.

Step 4: Wait a few seconds while AnyDoc processes the translated document.

Step 5: Once processed, you’ll see a split-screen preview showing both the original and translated versions. Hover over sections to compare them side by side.

Step 6: If you prefer viewing only the translated content, toggle the "Hide Original" option to switch to a full-screen translation view.

Step 7: To save your work, click the "Download" button. You’ll be able to download either a bilingual copy or just the translated version.

AnyDoc is a fairly new tool, but if you've used different online document translators like I have, you'll quickly realize how much easier it makes things. You can easily switch languages within the translation window, and it even offers a side-by-side mode to compare the original and translated versions.How to Use It

Step 1: Open your preferred web browser and access the AnyDoc Translator website.

Step 2: Upload your Korean document by selecting "Select from your Computer" or by dragging it into the upload area.

Step 3: Click on the "Language" dropdown menu and choose your target language.

Step 4: Wait a few seconds while AnyDoc processes the translated document.

Step 5: Once processed, you’ll see a split-screen preview showing both the original and translated versions. Hover over sections to compare them side by side.

Step 6: If you prefer viewing only the translated content, toggle the "Hide Original" option to switch to a full-screen translation view.

Step 7: To save your work, click the "Download" button. You’ll be able to download either a bilingual copy or just the translated version.

Mastering French greetings isn’t just about words—it’s about tone, context, and culture. AnyDoc Translator helps you learn naturally, so you can say "Bonjour" like a local—not just a textbook.

FAQ

What is the most common way to greet someone in French?

"Bonjour" is a universal greeting that can be used during the day, and it's a great way to start a conversation. I find it's a versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal settings.

What's the difference between "bonjour" and "bonsoir"?

"Bonjour" is used during the day, while "bonsoir" is used in the evening. I make sure to switch to "bonsoir" after dinner time to show respect for the time of day.

How do I respond to "comment ça va?"?

When someone asks "comment ça va?", you can respond with a simple "ça va bien, merci" (I'm fine, thank you). I like to keep my responses brief and friendly.

What's the cultural significance of greetings in France?

Greetings are an important part of French culture, and using the right greeting can make a big difference. I believe it's a sign of respect and can help you build stronger relationships.