"Bonjour" is a very common word in France. It is often used to greet someone and more generally to make conversation. But does this word have a deeper meaning? Most importantly, how is it used in everyday life? Discover in this article the usage and meaning of the word "bonjour" in France and how to say it correctly.
When to say "bonjour" in French?
In French, it is common to say “bonjour” to greet people at any time of the day, particularly during the morning and afternoon. It is a polite and respectful way to start a conversation or greet someone you meet. However, when chatting with friends and family members, it is acceptable to use more informal expressions like “salut” or “coucou”.
"Bonjour", "salut", or "coucou" and their English equivalents.
“Bonjour” is a polite and formal greeting in French. It is the most common and respectful way to greet someone in French, whether they are friends, colleagues, or strangers you encounter. If you are unsure about the context and don't know how to greet someone, “bonjour” is the safest option - you can truly use it in any situation.
➡️ English equivalent of the French “bonjour” 🇺🇸 -> “Hello” or “Good morning”
“Salut” is less formal and more casual than “bonjour”. It is a more relaxed way to greet friends or family members. You can also use it in a professional setting, but only with colleagues you know well. You would never say “salut” in a regular shop, like a bakery or a clothing store. If you are a tourist visiting France on vacation, avoid using “salut” with strangers.
➡️ English equivalent of the French “salut” 🇺🇸 -> “Hi” or “Hey”
“Coucou” is a very informal and more intimate way to greet people, reserved for close friends or family. You should never use “coucou” with strangers, except in very specific contexts. For example, you can say “coucou” to strangers on a dating app like Tinder, but never in real life.
➡️ English equivalent of the French “coucou” 🇺🇸 -> “Hiya” or “Hey there”
How to correctly pronounce the word “bonjour”
To correctly pronounce the word “bonjour” in French, here are the steps to follow:
Start by saying BON: your mouth is open, your lips are rounded, your teeth are together. You pronounce the “o” sound as in the word “rose”, and the “n” sound by pressing your tongue against the palate.
Then pronounce the sound “JOU”.
To do this, bring your lips close together without completely closing them, as if you were about to smile. Pronounce the “ou” sound as in the word “toujours”.
To pronounce “bonjour” correctly, you must pronounce the “b” and “n” firmly while separating “bon” and “jour” into two syllables, with a small gap between the two.
How to say "bonjour" depending on the time of day
- "Bonjour" can be used at any time of the day, but is generally used in the morning and early afternoon.
- "Bon apres-midi": this expression is used to greet someone during the afternoon, generally between noon and 6 PM. It is more commonly used to say goodbye rather than to greet someone you have just met.
- "Bonsoir" can be used to greet someone in the evening, generally from 6 PM or 7 PM onward.
- "Bonne soiree": like "bon apres-midi", this expression is used to say goodbye, not to greet someone you have just met. It is used from around 7 PM - 8 PM.
The case of “Bonjour, comment ca va ?” in French
French people often add “ca va” or “comment ca va ?” after "bonjour" or "salut".
This is the English equivalent of “how are you” or “How’s it going?”. These expressions are used to ask someone how they are doing or if they are well.
In French, “comment ca va” is often used as a reflex. It is a question that doesn't really call for a genuine answer. In fact, French people would find it a bit odd if someone responded to this “comment ca va” with anything other than “oui” or “ca peut aller”.
Translation of "bonjour" in different languages
- "Bonjour" in French:
- English 🇺🇸 : Hello, Good morning
- Italian 🇮🇹 : Buongiorno
- Spanish 🇪🇸 : Buenos dias
- German 🇩🇪 : Guten Tag
- Portuguese 🇵🇹 : Bom dia
- "Salut" in French:
- English 🇺🇸 : Hi, Hey
- Italian 🇮🇹 : Ciao, Salve
- Spanish 🇪🇸 : Hola
- German 🇩🇪 : Hallo, Gruss Gott (in Austria and some regions of Germany)
- Portuguese 🇵🇹 : Ola, Oi
- "Coucou" in French:
- English 🇺🇸 : Hiya, Hey there
- Italian 🇮🇹 : Ciao
- Spanish 🇪🇸 : Hola
- German 🇩🇪 : Hallo
- Portuguese 🇵🇹 : Ola
Want to learn more about the different ways to greet people in French?
Watch the video “4 ways to say bonjour in French”