How to Say Hello in French is one of the first things you’ll want to learn if you’re starting to explore the French language. Greetings are an important part of French culture, and knowing how to say hello properly can help you make a great first impression.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to say hello in French in both formal and casual situations, so you can greet people with confidence.
Learning how to say hello in French will help you start conversations naturally and respectfully. It’s a phrase you’ll use daily whether you’re traveling, studying, or speaking with French speakers. Once you master how to say hello in French, you’ll feel more confident and connected in any interaction.
Hello in French:
Let’s explore 15 authentic French greetings, complete with dialogue examples and cultural or historical context to help you understand when and how to use each one.
1. Bonjour – Good day / Hello
Origin:
Literally means “good day.” Used since the 14th century, it’s the standard formal greeting during the day in French-speaking countries.
Example:
👤 User A: Bonjour, Madame Martin. Comment allez-vous ?
👤 User B: Bonjour ! Je vais très bien, merci.
Use: Formal and polite; used from morning until early evening.
2. Salut – Hi / Hey
Origin:
“Salut” comes from the Latin salus, meaning “health” or “well-being.” Originally formal, it has become informal over time.
Example:
👤 User A: Salut, Thomas ! Quoi de neuf ?
👤 User B: Salut ! Pas grand-chose, et toi ?
Use: Casual and friendly; for friends, family, or peers.
3. Coucou – Hey there / Peekaboo
Origin:
Originally used in children’s games (like peekaboo). Over time, “coucou” became a playful and affectionate greeting.
Example:
👤 User A: Coucou ! Tu es là ?
👤 User B: Oui, coucou ! Je t’attendais.
Use: Very informal; used with close friends, kids, or in texts.
4. Bonsoir – Good evening
Origin:
Combines bon (good) and soir (evening). Used just like “bonsoir” in English but more common in French.
Example:
👤 User A: Bonsoir, Monsieur Dupont.
👤 User B: Bonsoir ! Enchanté de vous rencontrer.
Use: Formal or polite; used after 6 p.m. or when it’s dark.
5. Allô – Hello (on the phone)
Origin:
Borrowed from the English “Hello” in the 19th century. Strictly used for answering the telephone.
Example:
👤 User A: Allô ? C’est Julie à l’appareil.
👤 User B: Allô Julie ! Comment ça va ?
Use: Only for telephone conversations.
6. Salut tout le monde – Hi everyone
Origin:
“Tout le monde” means “everyone.” This greeting is commonly used when addressing a group informally.
Example:
👤 User A: Salut tout le monde ! Prêts pour la réunion ?
👤 User B: Salut ! On t’attendait.
Use: Casual; used in group settings with friends or peers.
7. Rebonjour – Hello again
Origin:
“Re-” means “again.” Used when you’ve already said bonjour earlier in the day and are seeing the person again.
Example:
👤 User A: Rebonjour, Lucie ! Tu es encore là ?
👤 User B: Oui, j’ai dû revenir.
Use: Friendly and polite; often used at work or in meetings.
8. Yo – Yo / Hey
Origin:
Borrowed from American pop culture and urban slang. Young French people sometimes use it in texts or informally.
Example:
👤 User A: Yo ! On sort ce soir ?
👤 User B: Yo ! Bien sûr, à quelle heure ?
Use: Very informal; youth slang or casual texting.
9. Salut les amis – Hi friends
Origin:
Literally “Hi friends,” used to greet a familiar group.
Example:
👤 User A: Salut les amis ! Prêts pour le week-end ?
👤 User B: Salut ! Trop hâte !
Use: Warm and informal; great for group chats or meetups.
10. Ça va ? – How’s it going? / Hi
Origin:
Literally means “Is it going?” but used as a casual hello + how-are-you.
Example:
👤 User A: Ça va ?
👤 User B: Ça va bien, et toi ?
Use: Informal; combines greeting and small talk.
11. Enchanté(e) – Nice to meet you / Hello
Origin:
Literally “delighted,” used when meeting someone for the first time.
Example:
👤 User A: Enchantée, je m’appelle Sophie.
👤 User B: Enchanté, moi c’est Paul.
Use: Formal or polite first-time introduction.
12. Bien le bonjour – A very good hello
Origin:
An older and poetic way of saying hello, used jokingly or in a literary context.
Example:
👤 User A: Bien le bonjour, noble chevalier !
👤 User B: Et bien le bonjour à vous, madame.
Use: Playful, literary, or humorous.
13. Hey – Hey (borrowed from English)
Origin:
Simply borrowed from English, especially by young French speakers or in multicultural areas.
Example:
👤 User A: Hey, tu vas bien ?
👤 User B: Hey ! Super et toi ?
Use: Very informal, especially in messages or with teens.
14. Bonjour à tous – Hello everyone
Origin:
Common in presentations, meetings, or emails. “À tous” means “to all.”
Example:
👤 User A: Bonjour à tous ! Merci d’être venus.
👤 User B: Bonjour ! Content d’être là.
Use: Polite and semi-formal, used for addressing groups.
15. Quoi de neuf ? – What’s new?
Origin:
An idiomatic way to say hello and ask what’s going on. Similar to “What’s up?”
Example:
👤 User A: Quoi de neuf ?
👤 User B: Pas grand-chose ! Et toi ?
Use: Casual and conversational.
Conclusion:
👋 Now that you know how to say hello in French, you’re ready to greet people with confidence and cultural awareness.
If in a formal meeting or a friendly chat, the right greeting sets a positive tone for the conversation.
Keep practicing how to say hello in French so it becomes second nature. A simple hello in someone’s native language can open doors, create connections, and leave a lasting impression.
