Welcome to the First Learning Edition!
By Abiodun Adekoya
Bonjour et bienvenue ! (bohn-zhoor ay byan-vuh-noo) – Hello and welcome!
If you want to speak French with confidence, the best place to start is with greetings. A simple “Bonjour” is great, but did you know there are different ways to greet people depending on the time, formality, and situation? Today, we’ll explore the must-know French greetings, along with their correct pronunciation!
1. Bonjour ! [bohn-zhoor] – Hello / Good morning
• The most common French greeting, used in both formal and informal settings.
• Works from morning until the evening.
2. Bonsoir ! [bohn-swahr] – Good evening
• Used in the evening when greeting someone.
• The nighttime version of “Bonjour.”
3. Salut ! [sah-loo] – Hi
• A casual and friendly way to say hello.
• Used mostly among friends and young people.
4. Coucou ! [kou-kou] – Hey / Hi there
• A playful and affectionate greeting, used among close friends or family.
5. Comment ça va ? [koh-mon sah vah] – How are you?
• A polite way to ask about someone’s well-being.
• Can be used formally or informally.
Possible Responses:
• “Ça va bien, merci.” (sah vah byan, mehr-see) – I’m fine, thank you.
• “Ça va mal.” (sah vah mahl) – I’m not doing well.
• “Comme ci, comme ça.” (kohm see, kohm sah) – So-so.
• “Ça va.” (sah vah) – I’m okay.
6. Ça va ? [sah vah] – You good? / How’s it going?
• A shorter, casual version of “Comment ça va ?”
• Can be used as both a question and a response.
7. Enchanté(e) ! [ahn-shahn-tay] – Nice to meet you
• Used when meeting someone for the first time.
• If you’re female, add an extra “e” (Enchantée), but the pronunciation stays the same.
8. Bienvenue ! [byan-vuh-noo] – Welcome!
• Used to welcome someone to a place, event, or group.
9. Au revoir ! [oh ruh-vwahr] – Goodbye
• The most common way to say goodbye in French.
10. À bientôt ! [ah byan-too] – See you soon
• A friendly way to say goodbye if you expect to see the person again soon.
Practice Makes Perfect!
Start using these greetings daily, and you’ll feel more confident speaking French in no time. Try greeting someone today in French and see their reaction!
Which of these greetings do you like the most? Let me know in the comments! À bientôt
