While the word “bonjour” literally means “good day,” it is appropriate to use at any time of the day. The French don’t have equivalents for the English “good morning” or “good afternoon. " You may already know that “au revoir” is the way to say “goodbye” in French. However, you’re much more likely to hear “bonne journée” (bohn zhur-nay), which means “have a nice day. " It also matches up nicely with “bonjour” (you just add another syllable), so it’s easy to remember.
As with “bonjour,” there’s a neatly matched phrase you can use to say “goodbye” in the evening. “Bonne soirée” (bohn swah-ray) means “have a good evening. "
If you are the person who called, when someone answers “allô,” say “bonjour” in response. You typically wouldn’t say “allô” back.
When speaking to a woman, an extra “e” would be included at the end of the word: “enchantée. " However, the pronunciation is the same. You’d only need to remember this rule for writing. Unlike other greetings, “enchanté” is only used once – when you are introduced to someone for the first time. [6] X Research source
“Salut” is also used if you have a basic familiarity with someone, even if you’re not exactly friends. For example, if you go to the same café every morning for coffee, the barista might say “salut” to you as an indication that they recognized you from your previous visits. You’ll also hear “salut” a lot on French TV shows or YouTube channels, where it is used to communicate a level of familiarity between the speaker and their viewers. When greeting a child, you can say “salut, toi” (seh-loo twah). It means “hey you,” but is said in a fun, playful way.
Adults also use “coucou” when they’re being silly or goofy. However, remember that this is a tremendously informal greeting and should never be used with someone you’re supposed to show respect to, like your teacher or your boss at work, even if you’re on relatively friendly terms with them. As with “salut, toi,” you can also say “coucou, toi. "
“Quoi de neuf?” (kwah d’nuhff): What’s new? “Ça roule?” (sah roohl): How’s it going? “Comment ça va?” (coh-moh sah vah): How are you? “Quoi de beau?” (kwah d’boh): What’s beautiful?[10] X Research source
You could say this anytime you see someone you’re friends with. However, it’s most common when you see a friend in an unexpected place, or after a longer period of time. In this context, “tiens” is similar to “voilà” (vwah-lah), which you may hear used as well.
If you walk into a shop or café in France, the people working there will typically say “bonjour” to you. To be polite, simply say “bonjour” back.
This goes for servers in restaurants as well. When a server comes to take your order, you typically would say “bonjour” before you start rattling off what you want to eat or drink (unless you’ve already said “bonjour” to them before).
Young people frequently shorten this to “re” (rray). The shortened version is more casual and should only be used with people you’re familiar with.
The specific custom varies depending on the region and local customs. While the kisses typically begin on the right cheek then move to the left, in some areas three or even four kisses are considered commonplace. Female friends are more likely to greet each other with kisses than men, although some men also faire la bise. If you’re unclear on the custom, let the other person lead and try to follow as best you can.
Men are more likely to shake hands than faire la bise, regardless of the setting. In some industries, particularly in the arts, air kisses are common greetings, even when you’re meeting someone for the first time.
