How to say "你好" in French

In French-speaking cultures, greetings are highly sensitive to formality, time of day, and social context. The word Bonjour is the default neutral greeting, but it carries expectations of politeness—especially in formal or unfamiliar settings. Never use it with strangers without acknowledging them first (e.g., a nod or smile). For close friends or family, a more casual tone is acceptable, but even then, Bonjour remains the safest default. Avoid saying Bonjour late at night; switch to Bonsoir (good evening) after sunset. Skipping greetings entirely can come across as rude, so always greet someone before speaking to them.

Formal situations or first-time meetings

Use Bonjour when addressing someone you don’t know, someone older, or in professional contexts. It’s also the expected greeting when entering a shop, restaurant, or office. Always pair it with a respectful tone and, if appropriate, a title like Monsieur (sir) or Madame (ma’am).

• Bonjour, Madame Dupont. Comment allez-vous ?
  Good morning, Ms. Dupont. How are you?
• Bonjour, Monsieur le Directeur.
  Good morning, Director.

Casual or familiar settings

Among friends, colleagues, or people your age, Bonjour is still used but can feel slightly formal if overemphasized. You can soften it by adding a first name or a friendly gesture. Avoid using it with children unless you’re an adult addressing them—Salut (hi) is more natural for kids.

• Bonjour, Paul ! Ça va ?
  Hi, Paul! How’s it going?
• Bonjour, les enfants !
  Hello, kids!

Time-sensitive greetings

French distinguishes between morning and evening greetings. Use Bonjour in the morning until around 6 PM, then switch to Bonsoir (good evening). Using the wrong one can sound odd, especially in formal settings.

• Bonjour, je peux vous aider ?
  Good morning, can I help you?
• Bonsoir, bienvenue au restaurant.
  Good evening, welcome to the restaurant.

Quick Cheat Sheet

👉 Most useful for daily life: Memorize Bonjour first. Use it in every neutral or formal situation until you’re comfortable with the context. Pair it with a smile and eye contact—it goes a long way in French culture.