If you want to be polite in a French-speaking country, memorize these common French words and phrases and use them liberally in your routine interactions.
Formal vs. Informal Use
Some greetings in the French language can be used formally, while others are informal. Knowing which to use and when to use them is respectful and helps you avoid miscommunication in French. Consider the following context to help you choose which greeting is best when the occasion arises.
| Formality | Occasion |
| Formal | Formal greetings are specific to first-time introductions, introducing yourself to strangers, or a way to demonstrate respect in a formal setting. |
| Semi-Formal | Even in a casual atmosphere, you want to use a formal or semi-formal greeting towards those you do not know personally or are being introduced to for the first time. |
| Neutral | Is Generally acceptable in all situations. Use if you are unsure. |
| Informal | Use in a relaxed or casual atmosphere when meeting new colleagues and peers, when introduced to close friend’s acquaintances, or in greeting people you know but are not close to. |
| Casual | Use with those you are familiar with in social situations. |
French Greetings, Replies, and Salutations
These greetings, introductions, replies, and departing French expressions are all used in various situations and can help you begin initial communication in French. Look at when they are appropriate to use and how they should be used.
Don’t fret too much about pronunciation, French uses accent marks, and native speakers will be happy to help you get those right. You can also take advantage of online pronunciation sites to help you.
Greetings
Use these greetings when first being introduced to somebody or upon meeting somebody for the first time that day. Various levels of formality should be used in addressing those you do not know and those you are already acquainted with. Also, consider the event or atmosphere you are within.
| French | English | When to Use | Formality |
| Âllo | Hello | Exclusive for telephone conversations. | Neutral |
| Bon apres-midi | Good afternoon | In Quebec | Neutral |
| Bon Matin | Good morning | In Quebec | Neutral |
| bonjour | Hello, Good day | Until 12pm | Neutral |
| bonsoir | good evening | Evening only | Semi-formal |
| Ça fait longtemps, dis donc | Long time, no see | Greeting to a friend or close acquaintance. | Casual |
| Coucou | Hey | Casual greeting to a close friends | Casual |
| Rebonjour | Hello again | When you see a person again in the same day. | Neutral |
| salut | hello or goodbye | Informal greeting or a quick way to say goodbye. | Informal |
Departures
Use these terms when taking your leave of present company. These are generally neutral in use, and you can pick and choose which is most appropriate for the occasion.
| French | English | When to Use | Formality |
| à bientôt | see you soon | In reply to someone taking their leave, or instead of goodbye. | Neutral |
| à demain | see you tomorrow | In reply to someone taking their leave, or instead of goodbye. | Neutral |
| à toute à l’heure | see you later | In response to someone taking their leave, or instead of goodbye. | Neutral |
| À plus! | Later! | To say goodbye to close friends and family. | Casual |
| adieu | goodbye | Use upon departure. | Neutral |
| au revoir | goodbye | Customary when leaving a store, shop, etc | Neutral |
| Bonne journee | Have a nice day | A polite follow up to an initial greeting or upon departure. | Neutral |
| bonne nuit | goodnight | To signal a leaving for the night or going to bed | Neutral |
| Ciao! | See ya! | Although an Italian origin, it is popular with a young crowd and widely recognized. | Casual |
| salut | hello or goodbye | Informal initial greeting or a quick way to say goodbye. | Informal |
Replies
These standard replies follow initial greetings or are in response to general salutations that follow the arrival or departure of someone. Be sure to check the formality of these, as some are considered more polite than others depending on the company you are in or the event you are at. If unsure, choose a more neutral approach.
| French | English | When to Use | Formality |
| à vos souhaits | bless you (after a sneeze) | After someone sneezes. | Neutral |
| bienvenue | welcome | In response to being told thank you. | Neutral |
| Ça va | I’m good | Use in reply to being asked how you are. | Neutral |
| Ça va? | How are you? | Follow up to an initial greeting, a little more informal in use. | Neutral |
| Comment allez-vous ? | How are you? | After an initial greeting, a slightly more formal way of asking how a person is. | Neutral |
| Comment tu t’appelles ? | What’s your name? | Informal situations | Informal |
| Comment vous appelez-vous ? | What’s your name? | Formal situations and introductions. | Formal |
| de rien | you’re welcome | Use in reply to being told thank you. | Neutral |
| Enchanté(e) | pleased to meet you | Use with people you have just been introduced to or in a more formal setting. | Semi-formal |
| Je suis très heureux(/euse) de faire votre connaissance | Pleased to meet you | Use with people you have just been introduced to or in a less formal setting. | Neutral |
| merci | thank you | for letting others know your gratitude, such as when they open a door or pass you an item. | Neutral |
| merci beaucoup | thank you very much | To letting others know your appreciation in a more formal setting, such as when they open a door or pass you an item. It can also be used to thank somebody for their actions. | Semi-formal |
| Pas mal | Not bad | Use in reply to being asked how you are. | Neutral |
| Quoi de neuf? | What’s up? | Use with close friends or acquaintances as an initial greeting. | Casual |
| tant pis | never mind | To negate what may have been already asked. | Neutral |
| Tu vas bien? | How are you? | A polite follow-up to an initial greeting. | Neutral |
Salutations
These salutations follow along with initial greetings and are more specific to various circumstances, such as holidays.
| French | English | When to Use | Formality |
| Bon joyeux anniversaire | Happy Birthday | To wish someone Happy Birthday. | Neutral |
| Bonne année! | Happy New Year | To wish someone a Happy New Year. | Neutral |
| bonne chance | good luck | Use with close friends or family. | Informal |
| Joyeuses fêtes | Happy Holidays! | General Winter holiday greeting. | Neutral |
| Joyeux noël! | Merry Christmas! | To wish others a Merry Christmas | Neutral |
| santé | cheers | To toast an event. | Informal |
In Letter Writing/Speaking Events
You may want to address the audience more precisely in writing or speaking events. These are usually formal or semiformal and provide sophistication to your greetings and departures.
| French | English | When to Use | Formality |
| Amities | Best | When signing off to those you know in a more formal setting | Semi-formal |
| Chaleureusement | Warmly | When signing off to those you know in a more formal setting | Semi-formal |
| Cher Monsieur/Chère Madame | Dear Sir/Madam | Addressing friends and acquaintances in a relaxed atmosphere | Informal |
| Chers amis | Dear Friends | When addressing those you know in a more formal setting | Semi-formal |
| Cordialement | Sincerely | When signing off to professionals and those you do not know | Formal |
| Monsieur/Madame | Dear Sir/Madam | When addressing professionals and those you do not know | Formal |
Non-Verbal Greeting Dos and Don’ts
Non-verbal greetings are common in France, but there are dos and don’ts to pay attention to. You are expected to greet those you meet, from friends to store workers, but formality counts. For example, you would verbally greet a store worker, but you might give a small kiss (or three) on the cheeks of a close friend or family when greeting them.
Handshakes are for formal settings or business settings. Offering a handshake before a meeting sends a message that you have their attention. It is also common for men to greet each other with a handshake.
Hugs are for close family members and significant others only. Placing your arm around another, not in this category is disrespectful and considered an invasion of privacy. Often hugs are reserved only for family gatherings, such as during the holiday season.
Let’s Review
If you are traveling through a French-speaking country, knowing some basic greetings and phrases can help you communicate your respect for their country. These greetings and salutations provide a simple way to enter into conversation and show your interest in the person you are speaking to. Most are very neutral in their use, but be aware of more casual and informal words to avoid disrespect.
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