Greetings & Introductions

Knowing how to greet people and introduce yourself is essential for any interaction in French. This lesson covers formal and informal greetings, the crucial tu vs. vous distinction, and how to introduce yourself naturally.

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Basic Greetings

French	English	When to Use
Bonjour	Hello / Good day	From morning until about 6pm; the all-purpose greeting
Bonsoir	Good evening	From about 6pm onwards
Salut	Hi / Hey	Informal, with friends and family
Coucou	Hey there	Very informal, close friends, children
Bonne nuit	Good night	Only when someone is going to sleep

Bonjour — The Essential Greeting

Bonjour is the most important word in French etiquette. You should say it:

• When entering a shop: "Bonjour !" (to the shopkeeper)
• When meeting anyone for the first time that day
• When arriving at work
• When starting a phone call
• When approaching someone to ask a question