Five Ways of Saying "Hello" in French

How many times have we heard the phrase “First impression is the last impression”? Once the foundation has been made, it becomes very difficult to change it. Thus, the first impression is extremely important because it creates the granite foundation for the way in which people perceive us. It provides people with the glasses through which they see us.

So let us begin with a simple “Hello”. Greeting French people the way you greet American, British or even Spanish people is considered catastrophic. You see, the French have their own greeting ritual which they religiously follow. Fortunately, greeting the French like a local is simple once you know a few basic principles.

1. Bonjour (/bohn XHOOR/)

“Bonjour” is the most common French word and a word you probably already know which means hello/good morning/good day. More than a simple greeting, “bonjour” is the key to being considered a friendly and polite person in France. Use it whenever you meet a French speaking person and they will happily converse with you.

2. Bonsoir (/boh SWAR/)

Literally “good evening”, “bonsoir” is the magic French greeting word people use when the sun goes down. Like “bonjour”, “bonsoir” is a safe word you can use with everyone without fearing faux-pas.

3. Salut (/sa LEW/)

Beware! “Salut” is not the French “hi”. Not exactly at least. Think of “salut” as a relaxed version of “bonjour” you use with your friends, family, and people you know well.

4. Coucou (/koo KOO/)

More informal than “salut”, “coucou” is the French equivalent of “hey there”. A cool and relaxed greeting you use with friends and people you’re close to while you are texting or chatting with them.

5. Allô? (/aal OH/)

Used mostly on the phone to check if there is someone on the line; “allô” is a word you can use in every telephonic situation.