Bonjour! (Hello & Goodbye)
Learn essential French greetings: bonjour, bonsoir, salut, au revoir, bonne nuit, à bientôt. Understand formal vs. informal registers.
A lesson of French A1 — Beginner, in Greetings & Introductions, about 10 minutes.
By the end of this lesson, you will use French greetings and farewells correctly and understand the difference between formal and informal register.
Why Register Matters in French
French has two ways to say "you": tu (informal, for friends, family, children) and vous (formal, for strangers, elders, authority figures). This distinction runs through all greetings. Choosing the wrong one can cause social awkwardness — use vous when in doubt.
Essential Greetings
Saying Hello
| French | When to use |
|---|---|
| Bonjour | "Good day" — the universal, safe greeting. Any time of day with anyone. |
| Bonsoir | "Good evening" — use from around 6 PM onward. |
| Salut | "Hi/Bye" — informal only. Friends and peers. Never with strangers or superiors. |
| Coucou | Very informal "hey" — close friends, texting. |
Culture note: In France, it is considered rude to enter a shop without saying Bonjour. Always greet shopkeepers, and say Au revoir when you leave.
Saying Goodbye
| French | Meaning | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Au revoir | "Until we see again" | Universal |
| À bientôt | "See you soon" | Universal |
| À tout à l'heure | "See you in a bit" (same day) | Universal |
| À demain | "See you tomorrow" | Universal |
| Bonne nuit | "Good night" — at bedtime only | Universal |
| Salut | "Bye" | Informal only |
Other Polite Essentials
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Merci | Thank you |
| Merci beaucoup | Thank you very much |