The Art of French Greetings: A Guide for Beginners

French greetings are more than just words; they're a gateway to French culture and social norms. This guide will help you navigate the world of French salutations with confidence.

Basic French Greeting Phrases

Formal Greetings

1. "Bonjour" (Hello)
2. "Bonsoir" (Good evening)
3. "Enchanté(e)" (Pleased to meet you)
4. "Comment allez-vous ?" (How are you?)
5. "Je vous en prie" (You're welcome)
6. "Au revoir" (Goodbye)
7. "Bonne journée" (Have a good day)
8. "Bonne soirée" (Have a good evening)
9. "À bientôt" (See you soon)
10. "Salutations distinguées" (Formal closing for letters)

Informal Greetings

1. "Salut" (Hi)
2. "Coucou" (Hey there)
3. "Ça va ?" (How's it going?)
4. "Comment vas-tu ?" (How are you? - informal)
5. "À plus" (See you later)
6. "Tchao" (Bye - very informal)
7. "Bises" (Kisses - used to close informal messages)
8. "Quoi de neuf ?" (What's new?)
9. "Tiens !" (Hey! - expressing surprise upon seeing someone)
10. "Yo" (Very casual greeting among young people)

The Importance of Formal vs. Informal Greetings

Understanding when to use formal or informal greetings is crucial in French culture.

When to Use Formal Greetings

• Meeting someone for the first time
• Speaking to someone older than you
• Addressing a person in a position of authority
• In professional settings
• When unsure about the appropriate level of familiarity

When to Use Informal Greetings

• With friends and family
• Among peers, especially younger people
• In casual social settings
• When explicitly invited to use informal language

Body Language and Customs

French greetings often involve more than just words.

La Bise (The Kiss)

• A light kiss on each cheek
• Common among friends and family
• Number of kisses varies by region (typically 2-4)
• Not appropriate in formal or professional settings

Handshakes

• Firm and brief
• Common in professional settings
• Used when meeting someone for the first time

Eye Contact

• Direct eye contact is important and shows respect
• Avoid prolonged eye contact, which can be uncomfortable

Personal Space

• French people generally stand closer when conversing than in some other cultures
• About an arm's length is typical

Practice Dialogues

Formal Dialogue

A: Bonjour, Madame. Comment allez-vous ? B: Bonjour, Monsieur. Je vais bien, merci. Et vous ? A: Très bien, merci. Enchanté de faire votre connaissance. B: Enchantée également.

Informal Dialogue

A: Salut ! Ça va ? B: Coucou ! Oui, ça va bien. Et toi ? A: Pas mal, merci. Quoi de neuf ? B: Rien de spécial. On se voit plus tard ? A: D'accord, à plus !

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using "tu" instead of "vous" with strangers or in formal situations
2. Forgetting to greet shopkeepers when entering a store
3. Skipping "la bise" with friends (pre-COVID)
4. Using "Bonjour" multiple times to the same person in one day
5. Saying "Bonsoir" too early in the day (it's typically used after 6 PM)
6. Translating "Good night" directly to "Bonne nuit" (which is only used when going to bed)
7. Using "Salut" in formal situations
8. Forgetting to say goodbye when leaving a group
9. Using "Comment allez-vous?" with friends (use "Comment vas-tu?" instead)
10. Pronouncing silent letters in greetings (e.g., the 's' in "Comment allez-vous?")

Practice Exercises

1. Match the greeting to the appropriate situation: a) Bonjour b) Salut c) Bonsoir d) Enchanté(e)

   Situations:

   • Meeting a friend at a café
   • Entering a shop at 8 PM
   • Being introduced to your boss's wife at a formal dinner
   • Greeting your professor before class

2. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate greeting or response:

   • A: ________, comment allez-vous ?
   • B: ________, merci. Et vous ?
   • A: ________, merci.
   • B: ________ de faire votre connaissance.
   • A: ________ également.

3. True or False:

   • You should always use "tu" with people older than you.
   • "La bise" is appropriate in all social situations.
   • It's polite to greet shopkeepers when entering a store.
   • "Bonne nuit" is a common way to say goodbye in the evening.

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

Conclusion

Mastering French greetings takes practice, but it's an essential step in communicating effectively in French. Remember to consider the context, the person you're addressing, and the appropriate level of formality. With time and practice, these greetings will become second nature, helping you navigate French social situations with ease and confidence.

Exercise Answers

1. a) Entering a shop at 8 PM b) Meeting a friend at a café c) Greeting your professor before class d) Being introduced to your boss's wife at a formal dinner

2. • A: Bonjour, comment allez-vous ?
   • B: Très bien, merci. Et vous ?
   • A: Bien, merci.
   • B: Enchanté(e) de faire votre connaissance.
   • A: Enchanté(e) également.
3. • False. You should use "vous" with people older than you unless invited to use "tu".
   • False. "La bise" is not appropriate in formal or professional situations.
   • True. It's considered polite to greet shopkeepers upon entering.
   • False. "Bonne nuit" is typically used only when someone is going to bed. Use "Bonne soirée" instead.