Greetings are the first point of contact in any language, but French and English approach greetings very differently in real life. English greetings are generally casual, flexible, and situation-neutral. French greetings, on the other hand, are context-driven, socially coded, and culturally mandatory. A greeting in French is not just a word—it is a social signal that shows respect, distance, familiarity, or formality.
Many English speakers make mistakes in French greetings not because they lack vocabulary, but because they apply English logic to French situations. For example, saying “Hi” to a stranger in English is normal, but doing the same in French can sound rude or inappropriate. This article compares real-life French and English greetings, explaining when, how, and why they are used. By understanding these differences, learners can avoid cultural mistakes and sound natural in everyday conversations.
1. Hello vs Bonjour
English: Hello
French: Bonjour
In English, “Hello” works everywhere—formal, informal, professional, or casual. In French, Bonjour is mandatory in most public interactions. You must say Bonjour when entering shops, offices, elevators, classrooms, or even before asking a question.
Not saying Bonjour in French is often perceived as rude, even if the sentence that follows is polite. In English, silence before a question is acceptable; in French, it is not. Bonjour literally means “good day,” but culturally it means “I acknowledge you.”
2. Hi vs Salut
English: Hi
French: Salut
“Hi” in English can be used with almost anyone, including colleagues or semi-formal situations. In French, salut is strictly informal. It is used only with friends, close colleagues, classmates, or people of the same age group.
Using salut with a shopkeeper, teacher, senior colleague, or stranger can sound disrespectful. English is flexible with hierarchy; French is not. Choosing between bonjour and salut is one of the first cultural tests in French communication.
3. How are you? vs Ça va ?
English: How are you?
French: Ça va ?
In English, “How are you?” is often just a greeting, not a real question. The expected answer is usually “Fine” or “Good.” In French, Ça va ? can be a greeting, but it is also taken more literally.
French speakers may actually answer honestly, especially in personal contexts. Also, French uses tone heavily—Ça va ? can mean “How are you?”, “Is everything okay?”, or even “Are you serious?” depending on intonation.
4. Good morning vs Bonjour (Again)
English: Good morning
French: Bonjour
English separates greetings by time of day: Good morning, good afternoon, good evening. French mainly uses bonjour from morning until evening.
There is no common French equivalent of “Good afternoon.” This often confuses English speakers. Bonjour covers most daytime interactions, making it more universal but also more socially loaded.
5. Good evening vs Bonsoir
English: Good evening
French: Bonsoir
Both languages use these greetings similarly, but timing differs slightly. In English, “Good evening” can be formal or neutral. In French, bonsoir marks a clear transition from day to evening, usually after sunset or when entering a social evening setting.
Switching too early or too late can sound unnatural. French speakers are very sensitive to this transition.
6. Nice to meet you vs Enchanté(e)
English: Nice to meet you
French: Enchanté / Enchantée
In English, this phrase is polite but often overused. In French, enchanté is more formal and is usually used only the first time you meet someone.
Repeating it in later meetings sounds strange. French greetings value precision over repetition. Gender agreement (enchanté for men, enchantée for women) is also important.
7. What’s up? vs Quoi de neuf ?
English: What’s up?
French: Quoi de neuf ?
“What’s up?” in English is extremely casual and often rhetorical. Quoi de neuf ? is casual too, but it expects an actual update.
French does not use filler greetings as much as English. When a question is asked, it often expects content. Using Quoi de neuf ? without listening knowing the answer can feel insincere.
8. Goodbye vs Au revoir
English: Goodbye
French: Au revoir
“Goodbye” in English can sound final or formal. Au revoir literally means “until we see each other again,” making it softer and more optimistic.
French culture prefers greetings and farewells that acknowledge continuity. Even short interactions often end with au revoir as a sign of respect.
9. See you vs À bientôt / À plus
English: See you
French: À bientôt / À plus
English “See you” works almost everywhere. French uses different expressions based on formality. À bientôt is polite and semi-formal, while à plus is informal.
Choosing the wrong version can change the tone completely. French greetings and farewells always reflect relationship distance.
10. Hey vs (No Direct Equivalent)
English: Hey
French: No exact equivalent
“Hey” is extremely common in English but has no perfect French equivalent. Using hey in French conversations often sounds unnatural or overly influenced by English.
French prefers structured greetings over spontaneous interjections. This highlights a key difference: English values ease, French values clarity and respect.
Conclusion
French and English greetings may seem similar on the surface, but in real life they follow very different rules. English greetings are flexible, casual, and often symbolic. French greetings are structured, meaningful, and socially essential. Understanding these differences helps learners avoid cultural misunderstandings and communicate naturally. Mastering French greetings is not about memorizing words—it is about understanding when, why, and with whom to use them. Once this mindset is adopted, French conversations become smoother, more respectful, and more authentic.