French phrases: Greetings and goodbyes
In France you say *bonjour* when you walk into a shop, a waiting room or a lift. Skipping it can seem rude.
Speed:
- Bonjour.Hello. / Good morning. · all day until the evening
- Bonsoir.Good evening. · from about 6 pm
- Salut.Hi. / Bye. · informal, with friends
- Bonjour, madame.Hello. (to a woman) · adding or is polite
- Comment allez-vous ?How are you? · polite
- Ça va ?How are you? / Are you OK? · informal, very common
- Ça va bien, merci. Et vous ?I'm fine, thanks. And you?
- Au revoir.Goodbye.
- À bientôt.See you soon.
- À demain.See you tomorrow.
- Bonne journée.Have a good day. · said when leaving, e.g. a shop
- Bonne soirée.Have a good evening.