From Bonjour to Au Revoir: A Day in French Greetings

French greetings change throughout the day, reflecting the time and social context. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective communication in French-speaking environments. Let's walk through a typical day in France, examining the greetings used from dawn to dusk.

Morning Greetings

Bonjour

"Bonjour" is the standard morning greeting in France.

It's used from the moment you wake up until around noon.

Examples of morning "bonjour" usage:

1. To family members at breakfast
2. When entering a bakery for fresh croissants
3. Greeting colleagues at work
4. Acknowledging neighbors while getting the mail
5. Saying hello to the bus driver
6. Greeting a shopkeeper
7. Welcoming students to class
8. Addressing a receptionist at a doctor's office
9. Starting a business meeting
10. Greeting fellow gym-goers

Bon Matin

While less common, "Bon matin" (Good morning) is sometimes used in Quebec and other French-speaking regions outside of France.

Midday Greetings

Bonjour (continued)

"Bonjour" remains appropriate throughout the day.

Bon après-midi

As the day progresses, "Bon après-midi" (Good afternoon) becomes a suitable greeting.

It's typically used after lunch until early evening.

Examples of "Bon après-midi" usage:

1. Greeting someone after lunch break
2. Entering a store in the afternoon
3. Starting an afternoon class
4. Beginning an afternoon meeting
5. Greeting people at a midday social event
6. Acknowledging someone at a café
7. Saying hello to a neighbor while gardening
8. Greeting attendees at an afternoon seminar
9. Welcoming guests to an afternoon wedding reception
10. Addressing someone at the start of an afternoon phone call

Evening Greetings

Bonsoir

As evening approaches, "Bonsoir" (Good evening) becomes the preferred greeting.

It's typically used from around 6 PM onwards.

Examples of "Bonsoir" usage:

1. Greeting family members returning from work
2. Entering a restaurant for dinner
3. Welcoming guests to an evening party
4. Starting an evening class
5. Greeting a taxi driver for a night out
6. Addressing a hotel receptionist during check-in
7. Saying hello to neighbors during an evening walk
8. Beginning a night shift at work
9. Greeting attendees at an evening theater performance
10. Welcoming viewers to an evening news broadcast

Casual Greetings Throughout the Day

Salut

"Salut" is an informal greeting used among friends and family.

It can be used at any time of day.

Examples of "Salut" usage:

1. Greeting a close friend for coffee
2. Saying hello to siblings
3. Addressing classmates before class
4. Greeting coworkers in a casual work environment
5. Welcoming friends to a house party
6. Saying hi to teammates before a sports practice
7. Greeting fellow students in a study group
8. Addressing friends in a text message
9. Saying hello to cousins at a family gathering
10. Greeting roommates when returning home

Farewell Greetings

Au revoir

"Au revoir" is the standard farewell greeting in French.

It's used in both formal and informal situations.

Examples of "Au revoir" usage:

1. Leaving work at the end of the day
2. Saying goodbye after a dinner party
3. Concluding a business meeting
4. Ending a phone conversation
5. Leaving a store after shopping
6. Departing from a social gathering
7. Saying goodbye to a teacher after class
8. Concluding a doctor's appointment
9. Leaving a restaurant after dining
10. Ending a conversation with a stranger

Bonne journée / Bonne soirée

"Bonne journée" (Have a good day) and "Bonne soirée" (Have a good evening) are often added after "Au revoir" to extend well wishes.

Greeting Rituals in Different Settings

Work Environment

In professional settings, greetings are often accompanied by a handshake.

Colleagues who know each other well might exchange "la bise" (cheek kisses).

School

Students typically greet teachers with "Bonjour Monsieur/Madame" and a handshake or nod.

Among peers, casual greetings like "Salut" are common.

Social Gatherings

Friends and family often greet with "la bise", typically two kisses (one on each cheek), though the number can vary by region.

Public Spaces

It's customary to greet shop owners, bus drivers, and other service providers with a polite "Bonjour" upon first interaction.

The Importance of Farewells in French Culture

Saying goodbye is as important as saying hello in French culture.

Leaving without saying "Au revoir" is considered rude.

Examples of situations requiring a proper farewell:

1. Leaving a small shop
2. Concluding a meeting
3. Ending a phone call
4. Departing from a social gathering
5. Finishing a meal at someone's home
6. Leaving work for the day
7. Concluding a class
8. Ending a conversation with a neighbor
9. Departing from a doctor's office
10. Saying goodbye after a chance encounter on the street

Practice Exercises

1. Match the greeting to the appropriate time of day: a) Bonsoir b) Bonjour c) Bon après-midi

2. Fill in the blank with the appropriate greeting: "It's 8 PM and you're entering a restaurant. You say: '_________ to the host."

3. True or False: "Salut" is appropriate to use with your boss.

4. What greeting would you use in these situations? a) Meeting a friend for lunch at 1 PM b) Starting a business meeting at 9 AM c) Greeting a neighbor while taking out the trash at 7 PM

5. Practice dialogue: Create a short conversation between two friends meeting for coffee, including appropriate greetings and farewells.

Answers and explanations can be found at the end of this article.

Conclusion

Mastering French greetings throughout the day enhances your ability to communicate effectively and politely in French-speaking environments. Remember, the choice of greeting depends not only on the time of day but also on the social context and your relationship with the person you're addressing. Practice these greetings regularly to make them a natural part of your French language skills.

Exercise Answers and Explanations

1. a) Evening, b) Morning/All day, c) Afternoon
2. "Bonsoir"
3. False. "Salut" is informal and not appropriate for professional relationships.
4. a) Bonjour, b) Bonjour, c) Bonsoir
5. Example dialogue: A: Salut Marie! Comment ça va? B: Salut Pierre! Ça va bien, merci. Et toi? A: Très bien, merci. On prend un café? B: Volontiers! [After coffee] A: C'était sympa. Je dois y aller maintenant. B: Moi aussi. Au revoir, Pierre. Bonne journée! A: Au revoir, Marie. À bientôt!