Earlier than you may say “how are you” or “thanks” in French, you want to discover ways to greet folks!
In the French language, manners and courtesy are vitally vital. In actual fact, the phrase etiquette comes from French. So an incredible first impression is essential! However by no means worry, we’re right here to assist with recommendations on ten alternative ways to say “hey” in French. Quickly, you’ll be capable to say hey in any setting, from a enterprise assembly to a hangout with pals.
Find out how to say “hey” in French
With these greetings, you’ll be ready for nearly any state of affairs. It’s vital to take into account that the time of day and the connection you’ve got with the particular person you’re addressing will influence the greeting you select. Even answering the telephone has its personal distinctive greeting!
1. Bonjour
Bonjour is as shut as you’ll get to a common French greeting. It’s acceptable to say in any setting if you’re attempting to say hey. Nonetheless, bonjour interprets on to “good day” so it’s customary to make use of bonjour within the morning or afternoon.
Within the night, bonsoir or “good night” is a extra acceptable greeting.
- Bonjour = Good day
- Bonsoir = Good night
Need to apply your pronunciation? Take a look at this video on saying “hey” in French:
2. Rebonjour
Rebonjour is hey on repeat! While you greet somebody after not too long ago seeing them, you need to use the phrase rebonjour, or “hey once more.” It may be thought-about impolite to say bonjour in case you’ve already seen somebody as soon as that day! So, rebonjour is ideal for these moments if you stumble upon somebody you weren’t anticipating to see so quickly.
Watch the video under for extra element on utilizing rebonjour in dialog:
3. Salut
Searching for a extra informal greeting? Salut is your go-to for saying “hey” to pals or informal acquaintances. Keep in mind that salut is just utilized in casual settings. Although it’s spelled equally to the English phrase “salute,” be sure you go away off the “t” sound on the finish to sound like a neighborhood!
4. Ça va
The French phrase ça va is a really informal option to say “how are you.” Whereas not technically a option to say “hey,” ça va is a typical greeting for shut family and friends members. Keep in mind to make use of this phrase solely in casual settings. Greeting somebody you simply met with ça va could be like skipping over saying “hey” altogether!
Right here’s how you need to use ça va in dialog:
5. Allô
When answering the telephone, bear in mind to greet the caller with allô! Pronounced equally to “hey” in English, allô is a model of “hello”, however particularly for answering the telephone. So don’t be stunned on the streets of France if you hear somebody reply their telephone with what seems like “hey!”
6. Bienvenue
Your French trainer or a shopkeeper may greet you with bienvenue if you stroll in. It’s a proper option to welcome somebody. When greeted with bienvenue it’s customary to reply in the identical approach. It straight interprets to “welcome” so be sure you use it appropriately.
7. Coucou
This French greeting mimics the sound of a cuckoo chook. It’s a candy greeting that folks will say to their youngsters or that shut pals may use affectionately. Remember, coucou is a particularly casual greeting. It’s not one thing you may say whereas chatting together with your boss, or greeting a stranger.
8. Enchanté
While you wish to say “good to satisfy you,” enchanté is the correct greeting for you. This greeting is ideal for assembly somebody for the primary time in each informal and formal settings. Enchanté could be stated alone, or because the phrase enchanté de faire votre connaissance, which additionally means “good to satisfy you.”
9. Tiens
When you find yourself stunned to see somebody you may say “hey” with tiens. The phrase is a type of the verb tenir, which implies “to carry.” In informal conversations, nonetheless, it may be used because the equal of “there you’re!” So if you’re pleasantly stunned to see a pal sitting throughout the café otherwise you’re welcoming somebody right into a room, ensure that to say tiens!
10. La bise
Maybe probably the most well-known French greeting is la bise or “kisses.” La bise is the French customized of claiming hey with out saying a phrase, in any other case often called the French air kiss. For this greeting you method somebody shut sufficient to brush cheeks. French has loads of casual physique language communication, however make sure to not use it within the improper situation.
Relying on the place you’re in France, and your relationship to the particular person you’re greeting, la bise may vary from one kiss to a few! However, watch out for coupling it with a hug. The French are more likely to increase a agency handshake or la bise than attain for an embrace.
Say bonjour to studying French
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