Mastering French Greetings: Bonjour, Salut, Bonsoir

Learning greetings is one of the most important first steps in mastering French. A simple Bonjour or Salut can open doors, show respect, and immediately make you sound more natural when speaking. But choosing the right greeting isn’t always straightforward; it depends on the time of day, the level of formality, and even cultural expectations.

In this guide, we’ll explore three of the most common greetings, Bonjour, Salut, and Bonsoir, so you can use them with confidence in any situation.

Why Greetings Matter in French Culture

In French-speaking cultures, greetings carry more weight than you might expect. Saying hello is not just polite, it’s essential. For example, if you walk into a bakery and order a croissant without first saying Bonjour, the shopkeeper may find it rude or abrupt. The French value the act of acknowledging each other before diving into conversation.

So, let’s look at how to do this correctly with the right greeting.

Bonjour – The Classic and Polite Greeting

Bonjour literally translates to “good day”. It’s one of the most common words you’ll hear in France, and it’s perfect for almost any occasion.

When to Use Bonjour

• From early morning until late afternoon (generally until 6 p.m.).
• With people you don’t know well—shopkeepers, neighbours, teachers, colleagues, or strangers.
• In professional or formal situations.

Examples in Action

• Bonjour, Madame Durand. Comment allez-vous aujourd’hui? (Good day, Mrs Durand. How are you today?)

• Bonjour, je voudrais un café, s’il vous plaît. (Good day, I would like a coffee, please.)

👉 Cultural Tip: Always say Bonjour when entering a shop, restaurant, or office. It’s a sign of respect and good manners.

Salut – The Casual, Friendly Greeting

If Bonjour is the polite “good day”, then Salut is the relaxed “hey” or “hi”. It’s informal and used mainly among people you know well.

When to Use Salut

• With friends, classmates, or family members.

• In casual situations, especially with people your own age.

• To say both hello and goodbye (similar to “hi” and “bye”).

Examples in Action

• Salut, Thomas! Ça va? (Hey, Thomas! How’s it going?)

• Salut, à demain! (Bye, see you tomorrow!)

⚠️ Warning: Avoid using Salut with strangers, authority figures, or in professional settings. It may sound too casual or even disrespectful.

Bonsoir – The Evening Greeting

As the day turns to evening, the greeting changes too. Instead of Bonjour, the French use Bonsoir, which means “good evening”.

When to Use Bonsoir

• From around 6 p.m. onwards (though it can vary depending on the situation).

• In both formal and informal contexts.

• When arriving somewhere in the evening—restaurants, parties, theatres, or even at someone’s home.

Examples in Action

• Bonsoir, Monsieur. Votre table est prête. (Good evening, sir. Your table is ready.)

• Bonsoir, les amis! Vous allez bien? (Good evening, friends! How are you?)

👉 Note: Just like Bonjour, it’s polite to say Bonsoir when you enter a shop or restaurant in the evening.

Comparing Bonjour, Salut, and Bonsoir

Here’s a quick summary to help you choose the right greeting:

• Bonjour → Polite, formal or semi-formal, morning to late afternoon.

• Salut → Casual, informal, with friends and family, any time of day.

• Bonsoir → Evening greeting, polite, works in both formal and informal contexts.

Mini Dialogues for Practice

Dialogue 1 – At a Bakery in the Morning

Customer: Bonjour, je voudrais une baguette, s’il vous plaît.
Baker: Bonjour, bien sûr!

Dialogue 2 – Meeting a Friend After School

Léa: Salut, Hugo! Ça va?
Hugo: Salut! Oui, et toi?

Dialogue 3 – At a Restaurant in the Evening

Waiter: Bonsoir, bienvenue au restaurant. Vous avez une réservation?
Customer: Bonsoir! Oui, au nom de Martin.

Beyond the Basics: Other Useful Greetings

While Bonjour, Salut, and Bonsoir are the most common, you may also hear:

• Bonne nuit – Good night (used when going to bed, not as a greeting).

• Coucou – A very informal, playful way to say hello (often used with kids or close friends).

• Allô – Used when answering the phone.

Mastering French greetings is about more than just memorising vocabulary. It’s about understanding the cultural context and showing respect. Whether you’re ordering coffee, greeting a teacher, or meeting friends, using the right greeting sets the tone for the whole conversation.

So remember:

• Bonjour for daytime formality.

• Salut for casual, friendly settings.

• Bonsoir for polite evening encounters.

Start practising these greetings today, and you’ll notice how naturally they flow into your everyday conversations. With just a few words, you’ll be connecting with French speakers in a warm, respectful, and authentic way.

Want to practise? Try greeting three different people today (a friend, a shop assistant, and a family member) using the appropriate French greeting.