Hello in French

Ever struggled to know the right way to greet someone in French? You’re not alone! When I first arrived in Paris, I nervously said bonjour to a shopkeeper, and her warm smile immediately put me at ease.

Learning French greetings can feel tricky, whether in formal or casual situations, but understanding the nuances makes all the difference.

In this article, we explored 9 essential greetings and 15 additional ways to say hello, helping you confidently connect with French people and navigate social interactions with ease.

Read on to transform your everyday French conversations!

Greeting	Meaning / Translation	Usage / Notes
Bonjour	Good day	Formal, used from morning to late afternoon; signals politeness and respect.
Salut	Hi / Bye	Casual, friendly, used among friends, classmates, or colleagues.
Coucou	Hi / Peekaboo	Playful and affectionate, often used with close friends, family, or children.
Bonsoir	Good evening	Used in late afternoon/evening; polite yet friendly; pairs with “ça va ?” etc.
Hé / Hé là	Hey / Hey there	Informal, attention-getting; playful or surprising; casual social settings.
Salut ma belle / Salut beau gosse	Hi beautiful / Hi handsome	Playful and affectionate; used among friends or romantic partners; informal.
Allô	Hello (on the phone)	Standard phone greeting; expects identification from the caller.
Bien le bonjour	A good day to you	Formal, old-fashioned; used in writing, speeches, or polite correspondence.
Bonjour tout le monde	Hello everyone	Friendly, inclusive; used for groups in classrooms, meetings, or online.

Main Ways to Say Hello in French

1. Bonjour

“Bonjour” is one of the most common ways French people greet each other, used from morning until late afternoon. Rooted in Old French, it literally means “good day” and has been a cornerstone of French greetings for centuries.

When exchanging “Bonjour,” French people often shake hands, or simply nod politely. It’s also the first word every beginner learns when they learn French. A typical response may include “tout va bien” (everything is fine) or “ça va bien” (I’m doing well), reflecting well-being.

More than a greeting, “Bonjour” signals respect and social awareness, making it essential for meaningful communication in France.

According to “Bonjour: Meaning in English, History, and Uses,” bonjour originates from Old French meaning “good day” and remains the core of French politeness. The article explains when and how French people use it daily, its cultural importance, and why it’s essential for anyone learning French.

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2. Salut

“Salut” is one of the friendliest and most casual ways to say hello in French. Unlike the more formal “Bonjour,” it conveys warmth, ease, and familiarity. The first time I heard someone say “Salut !” in real conversation, the word felt light and welcoming, almost as if it instantly softened the atmosphere.

A French friend used it naturally, showing that this greeting is reserved for people you already know, friends, classmates, or colleagues. Its versatility makes it even more appealing, since salut works for both “hi” and “bye.” Simple, relaxed, and widely used, it’s an essential part of everyday French greetings.

3. Coucou

“Coucou” is one of the most playful and affectionate ways to say hello in French. Softer and more intimate than salut, it’s often used between close friends, family members, or when speaking to children.

Its origin is linked to the sound made when playfully surprising someone, similar to saying “peekaboo” in English. Although informal, it expresses warmth, friendliness, and a touch of tenderness.

You’ll often see it in text messages, social media, or casual conversations. Because of its cheerful tone, coucou quickly creates a friendly connection. For learners of French, mastering this greeting adds authenticity and emotional nuance to everyday interactions.

Casual and Modern Ways to Say Hello in French

4. Bonsoir

“Bonsoir” is the standard French greeting used in the late afternoon and evening, literally meaning “good evening.” Unlike bonjour, it is reserved for later in the day and reflects the politeness embedded in French culture.

When French people meet in the evening, they often pair it with casual phrases like “ça va ?” or “quoi de neuf ?” to ask how someone is doing. For those who learn French, understanding when to use bonsoir versus bonjour is essential. It conveys respect while maintaining friendliness, making it a key part of daily French greetings and social interactions.

5. Hé / Hé là

“Hé” or “Hé là” is an informal French greeting or attention-getter, often used to call someone casually or playfully. Unlike bonjour or salut, it’s less about politeness and more about catching attention or expressing surprise.

French people may use it with friends, family, or in informal social settings, sometimes accompanied by a wave or a smile. It can also convey mild impatience, curiosity, or excitement, depending on context.

For those who learn French, recognizing hé is useful for understanding everyday interactions, casual conversations, and street expressions, reflecting the playful and flexible side of French culture.

6. Salut ma belle / Salut beau gosse

“Salut ma belle” (hi beautiful) and “Salut beau gosse” (hi handsome) are playful, affectionate French greetings used among friends, close acquaintances, or romantic partners. These expressions convey warmth, admiration, and familiarity, and are never used in formal situations. French people often pair them with a smile, light teasing, or a casual touch on the arm or shoulder.

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Regional and Cultural Variants of Greetings in France

7. Allô

“Allô” is the standard French greeting used primarily when answering the phone. Unlike face-to-face greetings, it signals the start of a conversation rather than a social ritual. French people often say “Allô ?” with a questioning tone, expecting the caller to identify themselves.

Common responses include giving one’s name, such as “Bonjour, ici Marie” (Hello, this is Marie), or a polite acknowledgment like “Oui, c’est moi” (Yes, it’s me). Learning to use allô correctly is essential for phone etiquette in French-speaking contexts, making conversations clear and courteous.

8. Bien le bonjour

“Bien le bonjour” is a formal and slightly old-fashioned French greeting, often used in writing, speeches, or literary contexts rather than casual conversation. It literally means “a good day to you” (a polite way to say hello) and conveys politeness, respect, and warmth.

French people may use it when addressing groups or in correspondence to show courtesy. Although less common in daily speech, understanding bien le bonjour helps learners of French appreciate traditional French greetings and the cultural nuances of formality and social etiquette.

9. Bonjour tout le monde

“Bonjour tout le monde” literally means “Hello everyone” and is a friendly, inclusive greeting used when addressing a group. French people use it in classrooms, meetings, social gatherings, or online conversations to greet multiple people at once.

It conveys politeness, warmth, and attentiveness, making everyone feel acknowledged. For those who learn French, this phrase is essential for group interactions and public speaking situations. Unlike the casual salut, it maintains a balance between friendliness and respect, reflecting the social norms of French greetings.

According to “Beyond Bonjour: How to Greet People in France Like a Local,” French greetings vary by context, relationship, and time of day. While bonjour is standard during the day, informal salut, playful coucou, and evening bonsoir reflect familiarity, social closeness, and cultural etiquette, guiding appropriate daily interactions.

Additional Ways to Say Hello in French

1. Yo – Informal, playful “hi,” often used among young people.
2. Hey – Casual, similar to English “hey,” friendly and relaxed.
3. Salut les amis – “Hi friends,” used when greeting a group of friends.
4. Salut tout le monde – “Hi everyone,” informal group greeting.
5. Coucou toi – “Hi you,” very friendly, affectionate, and playful.
6. Allô, allô ? – Phone greeting, similar to “Hello, are you there?”
7. Bonjour mon ami / ma amie – “Hello my friend,” polite yet friendly.
8. Salut mon pote – “Hi buddy,” casual among close friends.
9. Hé toi ! – “Hey you!” playful or attention-getting.
10. Bonsoir à tous – “Good evening everyone,” formal evening greeting to a group.
11. Bonjour cher/chère – “Hello dear,” polite, affectionate, used in letters or emails.
12. Coucou les amis – “Hey friends,” playful group greeting.
13. Salut la compagnie – “Hi everyone” (informal, friendly for a small group).
14. Yo les gars – “Hey guys,” very casual, among young people.
15. Allô tout le monde – “Hello everyone” on the phone, informal group greeting.

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Hello in French: A Recap

Exploring the many ways to say hello in French reveals not only the richness of the language but also the depth of French culture. From the formal bonjour to playful coucou or affectionate salut ma belle, each greeting carries social meaning and nuance.

I remember my first day in Paris: I timidly said bonjour to a local shopkeeper, and she smiled warmly, replying “Bonjour, comment ça va ?” That small exchange instantly made me feel welcome and showed me the importance of greetings in building connections.

For anyone who wants to learn French authentically, practicing these greetings is essential, not just words, but bridges to understanding people and culture.

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