French Greetings: Morning to Night Essential Guide

Morning Greetings (Le Matin)

Bonjour - Good morning/day

• Used from dawn until late afternoon
• The most versatile and common greeting
• Example: "Bonjour Madame!" (Good morning, Ma'am!)

Bon matin - Good morning

• Less common, but gaining popularity
• Used specifically in early morning
• Example: "Bon matin! Tu as bien dormi?" (Good morning! Did you sleep well?)

Afternoon Greetings (L'Après-midi)

Bonjour - Good day

• Continues to be used throughout afternoon
• Appropriate until around 6 PM
• Example: "Bonjour, je peux vous aider?" (Hello, can I help you?)

Evening Greetings (Le Soir)

Bonsoir - Good evening

• Used from early evening onwards
• Typically starts around 6 PM
• Example: "Bonsoir tout le monde!" (Good evening everyone!)

Night Greetings (La Nuit)

Bonne nuit - Good night

• Used only when parting for the night
• Specifically when someone is going to sleep
• Example: "Bonne nuit, fais de beaux rêves" (Good night, sweet dreams)

Additional Important Time Greetings

When Leaving

Au revoir - Goodbye

• Used any time of day when departing
• Example: "Au revoir, à demain!" (Goodbye, see you tomorrow!)

Bonne journée - Have a good day

• Said when parting during daytime
• Example: "Au revoir, bonne journée!" (Goodbye, have a good day!)

Bonne soirée - Have a good evening

• Said when parting in evening
• Example: "Bonne soirée, à bientôt!" (Have a good evening, see you soon!)

Cultural Tips

1. Always greet when:

• Entering shops
• Meeting someone
• Starting a conversation

2. Time-specific rules:

• Switch to "bonsoir" when darkness falls
• Use "bonne nuit" only for bedtime
• "Bonjour" works all day until evening

Greetings are essential in French culture. Not greeting someone is considered quite rude.