French Greetings: Complete Study Guide for Formal and Informal Hellos

Q: When should I use tu vs. vous in French?

The tu/vous distinction is one of the most important social rules in French. Use vous (formal you) with strangers, people older than you, authority figures, colleagues you do not know well, and in any professional or official context. Use tu (informal you) with friends, family, children, and peers who have invited you to use it. When in doubt, always start with vous. The other person will suggest switching to tu if they prefer it, often by saying "On peut se tutoyer" (We can use tu with each other). In modern France, younger people tend to switch to tu more quickly. Using vous as a default shows respect and cultural awareness that French people genuinely appreciate.

Q: How do you greet someone with la bise in France?

La bise is the French cheek-kiss greeting used between friends, family, and acquaintances. You lean in and lightly touch cheeks while making a kissing sound. Lips do not actually touch the other person's cheek. Regional Variations The number of kisses varies dramatically by region. Paris typically does two (one on each cheek). Southern France often does three. Some areas do four. You generally start by leaning to the right, offering your left cheek. When to Use La Bise La bise is standard between women and between a man and a woman who know each other. It happens sometimes between men in family settings. In professional contexts, a handshake is more common on first meeting. La bise develops as the relationship becomes more familiar.

Q: What is the difference between bonjour and bonsoir?

Bonjour literally means good day and is the standard French greeting from morning until late afternoon, typically until around 6 PM. Bonsoir means good evening and takes over from roughly 6 PM onward. The exact switchover time is flexible and somewhat regional. In a shop or restaurant, you might hear bonsoir as early as 5 PM in winter when it gets dark early. There is no separate good morning greeting in standard French. Bonjour covers both morning and afternoon. Some French speakers informally say bon matin in Quebec (Canadian French). Using the right one at the right time shows you understand basic French social conventions.

Q: What to say instead of "bonjour"?

Bonjour is the default greeting that always works. However, you have alternatives depending on context and formality. Formal Alternatives Use comment allez-vous? (how are you, formal) to start a conversation more personally. Say enchanté (pleased to meet you) when meeting someone for the first time. Use bonsoir (good evening) after around 6 PM. Informal Alternatives Use salut (hi) with friends and close acquaintances. Say ça va? (how's it going) for a casual greeting. Try coucou (hey there) with very close friends and family. These create a warmer, more relaxed tone. Always match your alternative to the relationship and setting. When unsure, bonjour remains your safest choice.

Q: Why don't French say "bon matin"?

French uses bonjour (good day) for both morning and afternoon instead of a separate bon matin (good morning). This reflects French social convention and efficiency in language. Regional Exceptions In Quebec (Canadian French), speakers do use bon matin more regularly. In metropolitan France, it sounds unusual and overly formal or anglicized. French speakers naturally default to bonjour throughout the day until evening. Why This Matters Understanding the why helps you apply knowledge flexibly rather than just memorizing rules. When studying French greetings, focus on underlying patterns and context. FluentFlash's AI generates cards that test both factual recall and conceptual understanding. This builds deeper grasp of material that lasts long-term.

FrenchBy FluentFlash Research Team·Updated 2026-04-30

Greetings are your first words in any French conversation. They set the tone and signal respect for French cultural norms.

French culture values politeness highly. The choice between formal and informal greetings matters more than in English. Formal greetings use vous (you, formal) and suit strangers, elders, colleagues, and professional settings. Informal greetings use tu (you, casual) and work with friends, family, and peers. Using tu with a stranger comes across as rude. Using vous with a close friend feels cold.

Beyond Basic Hellos

French offers greetings for different times of day, relationship levels, and regions. Bonjour works during the day. Bonsoir takes over in the evening. The bise (cheek kiss) greeting varies by region from one to four kisses.

FluentFlash helps you memorize these naturally through spaced repetition. You will always have the right greeting ready. Below you will find essential French greetings organized by formality, with pronunciation and real-world examples.

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Formal French Greetings

Use these greetings when meeting someone for the first time, in professional settings, with elders, or when politeness matters most. Pair them with vous for the formal register.

Professional and First-Meeting Greetings

Bonjour (bohn-ZHOOR): Hello / Good day. Example: "Bonjour, comment allez-vous?" (Hello, how are you, formal)
Bonsoir (bohn-SWAHR): Good evening. Example: "Bonsoir, madame." (Good evening, ma'am)
Comment allez-vous? (koh-mahn tah-lay VOO): How are you (formal). Example: "Bonjour, comment allez-vous aujourd'hui?" (Hello, how are you today)
Enchanté / Enchantée (ahn-shahn-TAY): Pleased to meet you. Example: "Je suis Marie, enchantée." (I am Marie, pleased to meet you)
Ravi / Ravie de vous rencontrer (rah-VEE duh voo rahn-kohn-TRAY): Delighted to meet you. Example: "Ravi de vous rencontrer, monsieur." (Delighted to meet you, sir)

Formal Titles and Responses

Monsieur / Madame (muh-SYUH / mah-DAHM): Sir / Ma'am. Example: "Bonjour, monsieur, puis-je vous aider?" (Hello, sir, may I help you)
Je vous en prie (zhuh voo zahn PREE): You are welcome (formal). Example: "Merci beaucoup. Je vous en prie." (Thank you very much. You're welcome)
Veuillez m'excuser (vuh-YAY mex-koo-ZAY): Please excuse me (very formal). Example: "Veuillez m'excuser, je suis en retard." (Please excuse me, I am late)

Term	Meaning	Pronunciation	Example
Bonjour	Hello / Good day	bohn-ZHOOR	Bonjour, comment allez-vous ?, Hello, how are you? (formal)
Bonsoir	Good evening	bohn-SWAHR	Bonsoir, madame., Good evening, ma'am.
Comment allez-vous ?	How are you? (formal)	koh-mahn tah-lay VOO	Bonjour, comment allez-vous aujourd'hui ?, Hello, how are you today?
Enchanté / Enchantée	Pleased to meet you	ahn-shahn-TAY	Je suis Marie, enchantée., I am Marie, pleased to meet you.
Ravi / Ravie de vous rencontrer	Delighted to meet you	rah-VEE duh voo rahn-kohn-TRAY	Ravi de vous rencontrer, monsieur., Delighted to meet you, sir.
Monsieur / Madame	Sir / Ma'am	muh-SYUH / mah-DAHM	Bonjour, monsieur, puis-je vous aider ?, Hello, sir, may I help you?
Je vous en prie	You are welcome (formal) / Please, go ahead	zhuh voo zahn PREE	Merci beaucoup., Je vous en prie., Thank you very much., You're welcome.
Veuillez m'excuser	Please excuse me (very formal)	vuh-YAY mex-koo-ZAY	Veuillez m'excuser, je suis en retard., Please excuse me, I am late.

Informal French Greetings

These greetings work with friends, family, peers, and casual situations. They use tu and feel relaxed and friendly. Younger French people often use these with anyone close to their age.

Casual Hellos and Check-ins

Salut (sah-LOO): Hi / Hey (also means bye). Example: "Salut, ça va?" (Hi, how's it going)
Ça va? (sah VAH): How's it going / You okay. Example: "Salut! Ça va? Oui, ça va bien!" (Hey! How's it going? Yeah, I'm good)
Coucou (koo-KOO): Hey there (affectionate, close friends and family). Example: "Coucou, c'est moi!" (Hey there, it's me)
Quoi de neuf? (kwah duh NUHF): What's new / What's up. Example: "Quoi de neuf depuis la dernière fois?" (What's new since last time)

Informal How-Are-You Questions

Comment tu vas? (koh-mahn too VAH): How are you (informal). Example: "Comment tu vas après les vacances?" (How are you after the holidays)
Ça roule? (sah ROOL): Everything rolling (slang for all good). Example: "Hé, ça roule?" (Hey, everything good)
La forme? (lah FORM): In good shape (casual how are you). Example: "Salut! La forme?" (Hi! Feeling good)
Wesh (WESH): Yo / Hey (youth slang, from Arabic). Example: "Wesh, tu viens ce soir?" (Yo, you coming tonight)

Term	Meaning	Pronunciation	Example
Salut	Hi / Hey (also used as 'Bye')	sah-LOO	Salut, ça va ?, Hi, how's it going?
Ça va ?	How's it going? / You okay?	sah VAH	Salut ! Ça va ?, Oui, ça va bien !, Hey! How's it going?, Yeah, I'm good!
Coucou	Hey there (affectionate, close friends/family)	koo-KOO	Coucou, c'est moi !, Hey there, it's me!
Quoi de neuf ?	What's new? / What's up?	kwah duh NUHF	Quoi de neuf depuis la dernière fois ?, What's new since last time?
Comment tu vas ?	How are you? (informal)	koh-mahn too VAH	Comment tu vas après les vacances ?, How are you after the holidays?
Ça roule ?	Everything rolling? (slang for 'all good?')	sah ROOL	Hé, ça roule ?, Hey, everything good?
La forme ?	In good shape? (casual 'how are you?')	lah FORM	Salut ! La forme ?, Hi! Feeling good?
Wesh	Yo / Hey (youth slang, from Arabic)	WESH	Wesh, tu viens ce soir ?, Yo, you coming tonight?

Saying Goodbye in French

French goodbyes range from universally polite au revoir to casual expressions for close friends only. Match your goodbye to your greeting formality for consistency.

Universal and Time-Specific Goodbyes

Au revoir (oh ruh-VWAHR): Goodbye (universal, polite). Example: "Au revoir, bonne journée!" (Goodbye, have a good day)
Bonne journée (bohn zhoor-NAY): Have a good day. Example: "Merci, bonne journée!" (Thanks, have a good day)
Bonne soirée (bohn swah-RAY): Have a good evening. Example: "Au revoir, bonne soirée!" (Goodbye, have a good evening)
Bonne nuit (bohn NWEE): Good night (before bed). Example: "Bonne nuit, fais de beaux rêves." (Good night, sweet dreams)

Future-Time Goodbyes

À bientôt (ah byahn-TOH): See you soon. Example: "À bientôt, j'espère!" (See you soon, I hope)
À demain (ah duh-MAHN): See you tomorrow. Example: "À demain, repose-toi bien." (See you tomorrow, rest well)
À tout à l'heure (ah too tah LUHR): See you later (same day). Example: "Je reviens, à tout à l'heure!" (I'll be back, see you later)

Casual Goodbyes

Salut (sah-LOO): Bye (informal, same word as hi). Example: "Bon, salut, à plus!" (Okay, bye, see ya)
À plus (tard) (ah PLOOS TAR): See you later (casual). Example: "Allez, à plus!" (Alright, later)
Bisous (bee-ZOO): Kisses (affectionate goodbye). Example: "Bisous, à ce soir!" (Kisses, see you tonight)

Term	Meaning	Pronunciation	Example
Au revoir	Goodbye (universal, polite)	oh ruh-VWAHR	Au revoir, bonne journée !, Goodbye, have a good day!
Bonne journée	Have a good day	bohn zhoor-NAY	Merci, bonne journée !, Thanks, have a good day!
Bonne soirée	Have a good evening	bohn swah-RAY	Au revoir, bonne soirée !, Goodbye, have a good evening!
Bonne nuit	Good night (before bed)	bohn NWEE	Bonne nuit, fais de beaux rêves., Good night, sweet dreams.
À bientôt	See you soon	ah byahn-TOH	À bientôt, j'espère !, See you soon, I hope!
À demain	See you tomorrow	ah duh-MAHN	À demain, repose-toi bien., See you tomorrow, rest well.
À tout à l'heure	See you later (same day)	ah too tah LUHR	Je reviens, à tout à l'heure !, I'll be back, see you later!
Salut	Bye (informal, same word as 'hi')	sah-LOO	Bon, salut, à plus !, Okay, bye, see ya!
À plus (tard)	See you later (casual, often 'à plus')	ah PLOOS (TAR)	Allez, à plus !, Alright, later!
Bisous	Kisses (affectionate goodbye)	bee-ZOO	Bisous, à ce soir !, Kisses, see you tonight!

How to Study French Effectively

Mastering French requires the right study approach, not just more hours. Research shows three techniques produce the best outcomes: active recall (testing yourself rather than re-reading), spaced repetition (reviewing at scientifically-optimized intervals), and interleaving (mixing related topics).

FluentFlash is built around all three methods. When you study French greetings with our FSRS algorithm, every term schedules for review at exactly the moment you are about to forget it. This maximizes retention while minimizing study time.

Why Passive Review Fails

The most common mistake is relying on passive methods. Re-reading notes, highlighting passages, or watching videos feels productive. Studies show these methods produce only 10-20 percent of the retention that active recall achieves. Flashcards force your brain to retrieve information, strengthening memory pathways far more than recognition alone.

Your Practical Study Plan

Pair flashcards with spaced repetition scheduling for dramatic results. Start by creating 15-25 flashcards covering the highest-priority concepts. Review them daily for the first week using our FSRS scheduling. As cards become easier, intervals automatically expand from minutes to days to weeks.

Generate flashcards using FluentFlash AI or create them manually from your notes
Study 15-20 new cards per day, plus scheduled reviews
Use multiple study modes (flip, multiple choice, written) to strengthen recall
Track your progress and identify weak topics for focused review
Review consistently every day beats marathon sessions

After 2-3 weeks of consistent practice, French concepts become automatic rather than effortful to recall.

1
Generate flashcards using FluentFlash AI or create them manually from your notes
2
Study 15-20 new cards per day, plus scheduled reviews
3
Use multiple study modes (flip, multiple choice, written) to strengthen recall
4
Track your progress and identify weak topics for focused review
5
Review consistently, daily practice beats marathon sessions

Master French Greetings with Flashcards

Use AI-powered spaced repetition to memorize French greetings for every situation. FluentFlash drills both formal and informal forms so you always pick the right one.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use tu vs. vous in French?

The tu/vous distinction is one of the most important social rules in French. Use vous (formal you) with strangers, people older than you, authority figures, colleagues you do not know well, and in any professional or official context. Use tu (informal you) with friends, family, children, and peers who have invited you to use it.

When in doubt, always start with vous. The other person will suggest switching to tu if they prefer it, often by saying "On peut se tutoyer" (We can use tu with each other). In modern France, younger people tend to switch to tu more quickly. Using vous as a default shows respect and cultural awareness that French people genuinely appreciate.

How do you greet someone with la bise in France?

La bise is the French cheek-kiss greeting used between friends, family, and acquaintances. You lean in and lightly touch cheeks while making a kissing sound. Lips do not actually touch the other person's cheek.

Regional Variations

The number of kisses varies dramatically by region. Paris typically does two (one on each cheek). Southern France often does three. Some areas do four. You generally start by leaning to the right, offering your left cheek.

When to Use La Bise

La bise is standard between women and between a man and a woman who know each other. It happens sometimes between men in family settings. In professional contexts, a handshake is more common on first meeting. La bise develops as the relationship becomes more familiar.

What is the difference between bonjour and bonsoir?

Bonjour literally means good day and is the standard French greeting from morning until late afternoon, typically until around 6 PM. Bonsoir means good evening and takes over from roughly 6 PM onward.

The exact switchover time is flexible and somewhat regional. In a shop or restaurant, you might hear bonsoir as early as 5 PM in winter when it gets dark early. There is no separate good morning greeting in standard French. Bonjour covers both morning and afternoon. Some French speakers informally say bon matin in Quebec (Canadian French).

Using the right one at the right time shows you understand basic French social conventions.

How do you say 'how are you' in French?

French has several ways to ask how someone is. The choice depends on formality. Comment allez-vous? is formal, use this with strangers, in professional settings, and with anyone you address as vous.

Informal Versions

Comment tu vas? or more commonly just Ça va? work with friends and family. Other casual variants include:

Quoi de neuf? (What's new?)
La forme? (In good shape?)
Ça roule? (Everything rolling?)

In most situations, a simple "Ça va, et toi?" (I'm fine, and you?) is a perfectly natural response.

What are the basic French greetings?

The basic French greetings are simple but essential. Start with bonjour (hello during the day) and bonsoir (hello in the evening). These work in any situation.

Add salut for informal settings with friends and family. Include comment allez-vous? for formal situations and ça va? for casual conversations. Learn goodbye expressions like au revoir (goodbye) and à bientôt (see you soon).

Best Way to Learn

FluentFlash makes learning these natural through spaced repetition. This method schedules reviews at scientifically-proven intervals for maximum retention. Study 15-20 minutes daily and watch how quickly you master these greetings. Most students see significant improvement within 2-3 weeks of consistent practice.

What to say instead of "bonjour"?

Bonjour is the default greeting that always works. However, you have alternatives depending on context and formality.

Formal Alternatives

Use comment allez-vous? (how are you, formal) to start a conversation more personally. Say enchanté (pleased to meet you) when meeting someone for the first time. Use bonsoir (good evening) after around 6 PM.

Informal Alternatives

Use salut (hi) with friends and close acquaintances. Say ça va? (how's it going) for a casual greeting. Try coucou (hey there) with very close friends and family. These create a warmer, more relaxed tone.

Always match your alternative to the relationship and setting. When unsure, bonjour remains your safest choice.

What are 50 French words and phrases?

Learning 50 French words and phrases takes focus and the right study method. Start with greetings (bonjour, salut, bonsoir), basic questions (comment allez-vous, ça va), and common responses (oui, non, merci, s'il vous plaît).

Recommended Categories

Add goodbyes (au revoir, à bientôt), polite expressions (enchanté, s'il vous plaît, merci beaucoup), and useful phrases (je m'appelle, je suis, où est).

Effective Learning Strategy

Use FluentFlash to create 50 flashcards and study them with spaced repetition. This approach is proven 30 percent more effective than traditional methods. Study 15-20 new cards daily plus your scheduled reviews. You will master 50 phrases in 2-3 weeks of consistent practice.

Why don't French say "bon matin"?

French uses bonjour (good day) for both morning and afternoon instead of a separate bon matin (good morning). This reflects French social convention and efficiency in language.

Regional Exceptions

In Quebec (Canadian French), speakers do use bon matin more regularly. In metropolitan France, it sounds unusual and overly formal or anglicized. French speakers naturally default to bonjour throughout the day until evening.

Why This Matters

Understanding the why helps you apply knowledge flexibly rather than just memorizing rules. When studying French greetings, focus on underlying patterns and context. FluentFlash's AI generates cards that test both factual recall and conceptual understanding. This builds deeper grasp of material that lasts long-term.