How to use greetings words in French?

There are several ways to greet someone in French, depending on the level of formality and the time of day. Some common French greetings include “Bonjour,” “Bonsoir,” “Salut,” “Coucou,” “Bienvenue,” “Bonne journée,” “Bonne soirée,” and “Bonne nuit.”

“Bonjour” is the most common and general way to say hello in French, while “Bonsoir” is a more formal greeting used in the evening or at night. “Salut” is a casual and informal greeting, similar to “hey” or “hiya” in English, and “Coucou” is a playful and informal greeting typically used with close friends and family. “Bienvenue” is a formal welcome that’s often used in business or formal settings.

To wish someone a good day in French, you can say “Bonne journée,” which is similar to “have a nice day” in English. Similarly, “Bonne soirée” is a way to wish someone a good evening, and “Bonne nuit” is a way to wish someone a good night before going to bed. These French greetings are an essential part of the language and can help you make a good first impression when speaking with French speakers.

Other ways to greet in French include:

• “Comment ça va?” – This is a common and informal way to ask “how are you?” in French. It can be used with friends, family, or colleagues in a casual setting.
• “Enchanté(e)” – This is a polite way to introduce yourself in French. It means “enchanted” or “pleased to meet you” and is often used in formal or business settings.
• “Ça fait plaisir de te voir” – This is a friendly way to say “it’s nice to see you” in French. It’s a good greeting to use when you run into someone you know in a casual setting.
• “Comment allez-vous?” – This is a more formal way to ask “how are you?” in French. It’s appropriate to use with someone you don’t know well, or in a formal or business setting.
• “À bientôt” – This is a common way to say “see you soon” in French. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Remember, the way you greet someone in French can set the tone for the entire conversation. Using the appropriate French greeting can help you make a good impression and show respect for the person you’re speaking with.

At French toast language centre, the teachers will show you all the different ways French people are greeting and you will learn what words to use in what situation.