When learning French, one of the very first things you’ll encounter is greetings. Not only are they essential to polite conversation, but they also reveal a lot about French culture and language roots. In this article, we will explore the most common greetings in French, breaking down each expression, its meaning, and where it comes from.
1. Bonjour – “Good Day”
Literal Translation: Bon (good) + jour (day)
Etymology: Bon comes from Latin bonus, meaning “good”. Jour comes from Latin diurnum, meaning “daytime” or “day”.
Usage: This is the most common daytime greeting. Used until late afternoon (around 5-6 PM), it’s appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
Pronunciation Tip: The “n” in bon is nasalized – don’t pronounce it like in English. Try: /bɔ̃.ʒuʁ/
2. Bonsoir – “Good Evening”
Literal Translation: Bon (good) + soir (evening)
Etymology: Soir comes from Latin serum (evening, late hour).
Usage: Used after 6 PM or when it’s getting dark. It’s the evening equivalent of bonjour.
3. Salut – “Hi / Bye”
Literal Translation: No direct translation, but it expresses a friendly greeting.
Etymology: From Latin salus, meaning health or well-being.
Usage: Informal greeting used among friends, family, and peers. It can also be used to say goodbye.
4. Coucou – “Hey there!”
Literal Translation: Onomatopoeic (from the sound of a cuckoo bird).
Etymology: Derived from le coucou, the cuckoo bird, often associated with playful surprise.
Usage: Very informal. Typically used between close friends, family, or in a playful context.
5. Allô – “Hello (on the phone)”
Literal Translation: No literal meaning; borrowed from English hello.
Etymology: Entered French via telecommunication usage in the 19th century.
Usage: Only used when answering the phone.
6. Enchanté(e) – “Nice to meet you”
Literal Translation: Enchanted / Delighted
Etymology: From Latin incantare – to cast a spell or delight.
Usage: A formal way of expressing pleasure at meeting someone for the first time.
7. Comment ça va ? – “How are you?”
Literal Translation: Comment (how) + ça (it/that) + va (goes)
Etymology: Va is the 3rd person singular of aller, which comes from Latin vadere, “to go”.
Usage: Informal or neutral. Can also be shortened to just ça va ?
8. Comment allez-vous ? – “How are you?” (Formal)
Literal Translation: Comment (how) + allez (go – 2nd person plural/formal) + vous (you)
Etymology: Vous is the formal/plural form of “you”.
Usage: Formal version of ça va?, used when addressing strangers, elders, or in professional contexts.
The Cultural Side of Greetings
In French culture, greetings are not optional. Whether entering a shop, meeting someone new, or starting a conversation, not greeting properly can be seen as impolite. Always begin with bonjour or bonsoir, followed by monsieur, madame, or mademoiselle if appropriate.
Also, don’t be surprised if you hear people say goodbye with bonne journée (have a good day) or bonne soirée (have a good evening). These follow the same etymological roots as bonjour and bonsoir but express wishes rather than greetings.
🎓 Interactive Exercise: Match the Meaning of French Greetings
Select the correct English meaning for each French greeting:
