Whether you’re planning to travel, study abroad, or simply want to impress French speakers around you, learning the right greetings is the first step.

Mastering French language greetings will not only help you make lasting impressions, but it will also give you the confidence to navigate daily interactions with ease. 

At Speak French Fast Academy, we specialize in helping busy professionals like you become fluent in French in just 3 months or less. You can check out our Instagram page here to see video proof of our students speaking French confidently in just 3 months.

So in this post, I’ll share 10 essential French language greetings that you absolutely need to know. 

These are simple, yet powerful phrases that will make you sound like a native, leaving a lasting impression wherever you go.

So if you’re ready to take your French skills to the next level, then let’s dive in!

1. Bonjour – Good Morning / Hello

The most common and essential greeting in French is “Bonjour.” It means both “Good morning” and “Hello,” and you can use it anytime before evening. It’s a warm, polite greeting that will instantly make people see you as respectful and friendly.

How to use it:

When you meet someone in the morning or early afternoon, say “Bonjour” with a smile. Whether you’re at a market, in a classroom, or just passing someone on the street, it’s the go-to phrase to break the ice and show that you’re ready to engage.

Pro tip: If you want to sound more native, make sure you’re pronouncing the “j” like a “zh” sound (like in “treasure”).

2. Salut – Hi

“Salut” is the casual, informal way of saying “Hi” in French. It’s commonly used between friends, family members, or even with people your age or younger. This simple greeting is a great way to make yourself approachable and blend in with the locals.

How to use it:

Use “Salut” when you’re talking to someone you’re familiar with, like a friend or colleague. Think of it like saying “Hey” or “Hi” in English. You’ll hear it often among younger people and in casual situations.

Pro tip: Don’t use “Salut” with people you don’t know well or in formal settings. Save “Bonjour” for those occasions.

3. Comment ça va ? – How’s it going?

After saying “Bonjour” or “Salut,” a common follow-up is to ask, “Comment ça va?” which means “How’s it going?” or “How are you?” This phrase will make you sound conversational, showing interest in the person you’re speaking with.

How to use it:

It’s perfect after a greeting, whether you’re in a formal setting or chatting casually. To reply, you can say “Ça va bien, merci” (I’m good, thank you) or “Ça va mal” (It’s not going well) depending on your mood.

Pro tip: If you’re speaking with someone you don’t know well, it’s better to use “Comment allez-vous?” for a slightly more formal tone.

4. Bonsoir – Good Evening

As evening approaches, switch your greeting to “Bonsoir,” which means “Good evening.” This phrase is used when the sun starts to set, and it’s an ideal way to greet someone as the day winds down.

How to use it:

If you’re meeting someone for dinner or attending an evening event, start with “Bonsoir.” It’s a polite way to greet anyone you’re meeting in the evening, whether in a formal or informal context.

Pro tip: Be mindful of the time. If it’s late enough that you’re saying goodbye after an evening event, you can also say “Bonne soirée,” meaning “Have a good evening.”

5. Au revoir – Goodbye

“Au revoir” is the classic way to say “Goodbye” in French. This phrase is essential to know, as it will come in handy when you’re leaving a meeting or social gathering.

How to use it:

When you’re wrapping up a conversation, or when you’re about to leave, simply say “Au revoir.” You can add “À bientôt” (See you soon) or “À demain” (See you tomorrow) if you expect to meet again soon.

Pro tip: If you’re leaving a more casual situation or a gathering of friends, “Salut” can also serve as your goodbye.

6. Enchanté(e) – Nice to Meet You

You’ve just been introduced to someone, and you want to express that you’re pleased to meet them. “Enchanté” (pronounced ahn-shahn-tay) is the French way of saying “Nice to meet you.” It’s a polite and friendly phrase that works well in both formal and informal settings.

How to use it:

When shaking hands or exchanging pleasantries, say “Enchanté” with a smile. If you’re a woman, you can add the “e” at the end (Enchantée) to match the feminine form.

Pro tip: This is a formal greeting, so avoid using it with close friends or family. Instead, you can opt for “Salut” or “Ça va?”

7. Ça va ? – How Are You?

“Ça va?” is another way of asking “How are you?” but it’s more casual. It’s frequently used among friends, family, or people you know well. It’s a bit more laid-back than “Comment ça va?” but still very common in everyday conversations.

How to use it:

Use “Ça va?” with anyone you know well or on a first-name basis. You’ll hear it often among friends or in informal situations. If they ask you back, you can answer with “Ça va bien” (It’s going well) or simply say “Ça va” if everything is fine.

Pro tip: It’s a quick way to show you’re interested in how someone is doing without making the conversation too formal.

8. Bienvenue – Welcome

If someone is coming to your home, to an event, or even arriving in your country, “Bienvenue” is the perfect way to welcome them. It means “Welcome” in French, and it’s a warm way to show hospitality.

How to use it:

When guests arrive at your place or someone enters a space you’ve prepared for them, greet them with “Bienvenue!” It’s a friendly and welcoming phrase that makes people feel at ease.

Pro tip: You can also use it when someone arrives in your city or country. A simple “Bienvenue à Paris!” will leave a good impression.

9. Pardon / Excusez-moi – Excuse Me

When you need someone’s attention or you’ve accidentally bumped into someone, it’s polite to say “Pardon” or “Excusez-moi,” both of which mean “Excuse me” in French. These phrases will help you navigate any awkward situation with grace and respect.

How to use it:

Use “Pardon” or “Excusez-moi” when you need to get someone’s attention, apologize, or navigate through crowded areas. It’s always good to use these polite phrases in France, as they reflect good manners.

Pro tip: When moving through crowded spaces like a busy metro, always say “Excusez-moi” to avoid seeming rude.

10. Bonne journée – Have a Nice Day

“Bonne journée” means “Have a nice day,” and it’s a wonderful way to send someone off after a conversation. It’s polite, warm, and perfect for any time of the day, especially if you’re leaving after a friendly exchange.

How to use it:

When you’re saying goodbye to someone, don’t just stop at “Au revoir”—add “Bonne journée” to show that you wish them well for the rest of their day.

Pro tip: This phrase can also be used to end a conversation, especially if you’re not likely to meet again later that day.

Conclusion

These french language greetings are your ticket to building rapport, making lasting impressions, and gaining confidence in conversations. 

By mastering how to use them, you not only increase your chances of forming connections, but you also stand out as someone who is eager to learn and grow.

Whether you’re in Paris, Montreal, or simply meeting French speakers in your neighborhood, these greetings will help you navigate conversations effortlessly.

At Speak French Fast Academy, we specialize in teaching busy professionals just like you to become fluent in French in 3 months or less. 

Our proven system helps you speak French confidently and efficiently, even with a hectic schedule. Want to hear how our students are doing? Check out our Instagram page to see video testimonials of our students speaking fluent french in less than 3 months.

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