Ready to learn some cool French greetings? Whether you’re planning a trip to France or just want to impress your friends, these tips will help you sound like a pro!
1. Friendly Ways to Say “Hello”
Coucou: A super informal way to say “Hi” or “Hey.”
-Best for close friends or family.
Allô: Used primarily when answering the phone.
– Pick up the phone and say “Allô?” to check who’s calling.
2. Wishing Someone Well
À tout à l’heure: Means “See you later.”
– When you’re planning to see someone again the same day.
À bientôt: Means “See you soon.”
– When you expect to meet again in the near future.
À plus tard: Similar to “See you later.”
– When you don’t have a specific time to meet again but want to say “later.”
3. Expressing Good Wishes
Bonne chance: Means “Good luck!”
– Before a test, a big event, or a challenge.
Félicitations: Means “Congratulations!”
– To celebrate someone’s achievement or special occasion.
Bon voyage: Means “Have a good trip!”
– When someone is heading off on a journey.
4. Starting a Conversation
Ça va?: Casual way to ask “How are you?”
– You can also say “Ça va?” when you’re just checking in.
Qu’est-ce que tu fais?: Means “What are you doing?”
– To find out what someone is up to.
Qu’est-ce qui se passe?: Means “What’s happening?” or “What’s going on?”
– When you’re curious about recent events.
5. Polite Expressions
Je suis désolé(e): Means “I’m sorry.”
– To apologize for a mistake or inconvenience.
Excusez-moi: Means “Excuse me.”
– To get someone’s attention or apologize for a minor offense.
Enchanté(e): Means “Nice to meet you.”
– When meeting someone for the first time.
6. The Basics: Saying “Hello” and “Goodbye”
Bonjour: The classic way to say “Hello” or “Good morning.”
– Use it when you meet someone in the morning.
– “Bonjour” literally means “Good day”!
Bonsoir: This one means “Good evening.”
– Perfect for saying hello after 6 PM.
Au revoir: This means “Goodbye.”
– Use it when you’re leaving a place or ending a chat.
Salut: A casual way to say “Hi” or “Bye.”
– Great for friends or people your age.
7. Special Greetings for Different Times
Bonne journée: Means “Have a good day!”
– When you want to wish someone a great day.
Bonne soirée: Means “Have a good evening!”
– As you’re leaving someone in the evening.
Bonne nuit: Means “Good night!”
– When you’re heading to bed or saying goodnight.
8. Asking “How Are You?”
Comment ça va?: This is how you ask “How’s it going?”
– You can say “Ça va bien, merci!” (I’m good, thank you!).
Comment allez-vous?: A more formal way to ask “How are you?”
– You can reply with “Je vais bien, merci!” (I’m doing well, thank you!).
9. Adding Some French Flair
Ça roule?: A cool, casual way to ask “How’s it rolling?” or “How’s it going?”
– You can say “Ça roule!” (It’s going well!).
Quoi de neuf?: Means “What’s new?”
– Share something new or say “Pas grand-chose” (Not much).
10. Polite Phrases to Know
S’il vous plaît: Means “Please.”
– Use it when you’re asking for something politely.
Merci: Means “Thank you.”
– Use it to show appreciation.
De rien: Means “You’re welcome.”
– Reply with this after someone says “Merci.”
11. Greetings for Different Times of the Day
Bonne matinée: Means “Have a good morning.”
– When you want to wish someone well at the start of the day.
Bonne après-midi: Means “Have a good afternoon.”
– To wish someone well in the early to late afternoon.
Bonne fin de journée: Means “Have a good end of the day.”
– As the day is winding down, before evening.
12. Warm and Welcoming Phrases
Je suis ravi(e) de vous rencontrer: Means “I’m delighted to meet you.”
– In formal situations or when meeting someone for the first time.
Ça fait plaisir de te voir: Means “It’s a pleasure to see you.”
– When meeting up with friends or acquaintances you’re happy to see.
Heureux/heureuse de faire votre connaissance: Means “Pleased to meet you.”
– A formal way to introduce yourself to someone new.
13. Asking About Well-being
Tout va bien?: Means “Is everything okay?”
– To check in on someone’s well-being.
Comment tu te sens?: Means “How do you feel?”
– To inquire about someone’s emotional or physical state.
Comment ça se passe?: Means “How’s it going?”
– To ask how things are going in general.
14. Casual and Everyday Greetings
Quoi de beau?: Means “What’s new and nice?”
– To ask about interesting or positive things happening in someone’s life.
Ça gaze?: Means “How’s it going?” (informal)
– A casual, friendly way to ask how someone is.
Ça baigne?: Means “How’s everything?” (informal)
– To check in with someone in a laid-back manner.
15. Farewell Phrases
À demain: Means “See you tomorrow.”
– When you’re planning to meet the next day.
À la prochaine fois: Means “Until next time.”
– To say goodbye with the expectation of meeting again eventually.
Bonne continuation: Means “Good continuation” or “All the best.”
– To wish someone well in their future endeavors or projects.
16. Greetings for Special Occasions
Bon anniversaire: Means “Happy birthday!”
– To wish someone a joyful birthday.
Joyeux Noël: Means “Merry Christmas!”
– During the holiday season to wish someone a happy Christmas.
Bonne année: Means “Happy New Year!”
– At the start of the new year to celebrate with others.
17. Greetings for Different Times and Settings
Bonne journée à vous: Means “Have a good day to you.”
– A polite way to wish someone a pleasant day, often used in formal settings.
Bon appétit: Means “Enjoy your meal.”
– Before someone starts eating.
Bon week-end: Means “Have a good weekend.”
– To wish someone a great weekend ahead.
18. Casual and Fun Greetings
Salut ça roule?: Means “Hi, how’s it rolling?”
– To casually check in with a friend.
Ça va tranquille?: Means “How’s it going, easygoing?”
– To ask how someone is doing in a laid-back manner.
Quoi de neuf dans ta vie?: Means “What’s new in your life?”
– To catch up with someone on recent changes or events.
19. Regional and Informal Expressions
Hé, tu vas bien?: Means “Hey, are you doing well?”
– An informal way to check in with friends.
Ça roule ma poule: Means “It’s going well, my chick.”
– A playful, regional way to ask how things are going.
Salut mon pote: Means “Hi, my buddy.”
– To greet a close friend or buddy.
20. Polite and Formal Expressions
Je vous souhaite une excellente journée: Means “I wish you an excellent day.”
– In formal settings, like at work or in a business context.
Je vous souhaite plein de bonheur: Means “I wish you lots of happiness.”
– To offer warm wishes, often in cards or formal messages.
Avec tous mes meilleurs vœux: Means “With all my best wishes.”
– To extend heartfelt wishes in formal communications.
In Summary
Keep practicing these phrases to become even more fluent in French! Merci beaucoup for joining me today! À la prochaine!
