How to say "hello" in French ?
Have you ever wondered which word to choose, between “bonjour”, “salut”, or “bonsoir” ?
To choose the right word, there are two things to take in consideration : who you are speaking to, and what time of the day it is.
1. Who are you saying "hello" to ?
– To someone you don’t know, or not very well ; a shopkeeper, a teacher, a colleague you are not close to or a hierarchic superior, a neighbour…
→ « Bonjour » is the good word.
– To someone that is closer to you, friend, family, a colleague with whom you also have informal conversation…
→ « Salut » is the good choice !
2. What time is it ?
– « Salut » can be used at any time of the day or night.
– « Bonjour » is used all day. There is no specific word for the morning, there is no « good morning ».
– « Bonsoir » is used in the evening.