Faux Pas Alert: Common Mistakes When Saying Hi in French

French greetings can be tricky for non-native speakers. Even a simple "hello" can lead to awkward situations if not done correctly. Let's examine some frequent errors and how to avoid them.

Misusing "Tu" and "Vous"

One of the most common mistakes is using the informal "tu" when "vous" is more appropriate.

When to use "Vous":

1. With strangers
2. In professional settings
3. With older individuals
4. In formal situations
5. With people in positions of authority
6. When addressing a group
7. In written correspondence
8. When in doubt
9. With in-laws or extended family
10. In customer service interactions

When to use "Tu":

1. With close friends
2. With family members
3. With children
4. Among colleagues who have agreed to it
5. In casual settings with peers
6. On social media with friends
7. In text messages with friends
8. With pets
9. When explicitly invited to do so
10. In some regions, like Quebec, where "tu" is more common

Incorrect Time-of-Day Greetings

Using the wrong greeting for the time of day is another frequent error.

Correct usage:

1. "Bonjour" - morning to early evening
2. "Bonsoir" - evening
3. "Bonne nuit" - only when saying goodnight, not as a greeting
4. "Salut" - informal, any time of day
5. "Coucou" - very informal, any time
6. "Allô" - on the phone, any time
7. "Bon après-midi" - good afternoon, when parting
8. "Bonne journée" - have a good day, when parting
9. "À plus tard" - see you later, any time
10. "Enchanté(e)" - pleased to meet you, any time

Forgetting the Cheek Kiss

Overlooking "la bise" (the cheek kiss) can be a social faux pas.

Key points:

1. Common among friends and family
2. Number of kisses varies by region (1-4)
3. Start with the left cheek in most regions
4. Light touch, don't actually kiss the cheek
5. Used for both greeting and farewell
6. Not typically used in professional settings
7. Men may shake hands instead
8. Can be replaced with a wave during health concerns
9. Children often expected to do "la bise"
10. Ask locals about regional customs if unsure

Mispronouncing Greetings

Proper pronunciation is crucial for clear communication.

Common mispronunciations:

1. "Bonjour" - bon-ZHOOR, not BON-joor
2. "Au revoir" - oh ruh-VWAR, not oh ruh-VWAR-uh
3. "Salut" - sah-LU, not sah-LOOT
4. "Enchanté" - on-shon-TAY, not en-CHAN-ted
5. "Comment allez-vous?" - koh-mon tah-lay VOO, not com-ment AL-lez voos
6. "Bonsoir" - bon-SWAR, not bon-SWAHR
7. "À bientôt" - ah byan-TOH, not ah bee-en-TOHT
8. "Ça va?" - sah VAH, not kah vah
9. "Coucou" - koo-KOO, not COO-coo
10. "À plus tard" - ah plu TAHR, not ah PLUS tard

Overusing or Misusing Slang

Using slang inappropriately can lead to awkward situations.

Slang to use cautiously:

1. "Wesh" - very informal "hi", mostly used by youth
2. "Kikou" - cute "hello", can seem childish
3. "Yo" - borrowed from English, very casual
4. "Chalut" - playful version of "salut"
5. "Bijour" - cute version of "bonjour"
6. "Salu" - incorrect spelling of "salut", used in texting
7. "Coucou" - cute "hello", can be too familiar in some contexts
8. "Tcho" - regional greeting from Northern France
9. "Hello" - English borrowing, used casually
10. "Hé" - like "hey", very casual and can be rude

Ignoring Context and Relationship

Not adjusting your greeting to the situation can be problematic.

Consider:

1. Age difference
2. Professional hierarchy
3. Level of familiarity
4. Formality of the setting
5. Time of day
6. Regional customs
7. Group dynamics
8. Cultural background of the person
9. Previous interactions
10. Non-verbal cues

Practice Exercises

1. You're meeting your French teacher for the first time. How do you greet them?
2. It's 8 PM and you're entering a shop. What do you say?
3. You're texting a close French friend. How might you start the conversation?
4. You're introduced to your French colleague's spouse at a work event. How do you greet them?
5. It's your first day at a new job in France. How do you greet your coworkers?

Answers:

1. "Bonjour Madame/Monsieur, enchanté(e)."
2. "Bonsoir!"
3. "Salut!" or "Coucou!"
4. "Bonjour, enchanté(e)."
5. "Bonjour" to each person, possibly followed by "enchanté(e)" and a handshake.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid to make mistakes - most French speakers appreciate the effort to speak their language and will be patient with learners.