Bonjour Bonsoir Meaning in French: Greeting Rules You Must Know

When you’re learning French, one of the first things you’ll come across is the importance of greetings. Two of the most fundamental ones are “bonjour” (good morning) and “bonsoir” (good evening). While they seem straightforward, the rules surrounding their usage can be a bit tricky, especially with the changing seasons, time of day, and cultural nuances.

When to Use Bonjour vs Bonsoir

“Bonjour” and “bonsoir” are both formal greetings, but they are used at different times of the day.

1. Bonjour:

“Bonjour” translates directly to “good day” or “hello.” You’ll use this greeting in the morning and throughout the day until the early evening.

• When to Use It:
  • Morning to Afternoon: From waking up until around 5 PM, “bonjour” is your greeting. It’s universally understood and polite.
  • Context: Whether you’re entering a café, meeting someone at work, or greeting a neighbor, “bonjour” works perfectly.

2. Bonsoir:

“Bonsoir” means “good evening” and is typically used after 5 PM or when it starts to get darker. It signals the transition from day to night.

• When to Use It:
  • Evening Time: As the day winds down, you switch from “bonjour” to “bonsoir.” This greeting is more appropriate after dinner time and when evening socializing begins.
  • Context: You’ll use “bonsoir” at evening gatherings, when entering a restaurant for dinner, or when meeting friends after work.

The Confusion of Hour and Season

One thing that can be confusing is the changing of seasons or even the hour of the day. In the summer, for example, it’s still light out long after 5 PM, and people might greet you with “bonjour” even into the evening. Similarly, in winter, it may feel like evening comes earlier, so people might switch to “bonsoir” around 4 PM.

The general rule is:

• “Bonjour” in the morning to late afternoon (around 5 PM).
• “Bonsoir” once the evening sets in and the sun begins to go down.

This can vary slightly depending on regional customs and the time of year, but as a general guideline, you’ll be safe with this approach!

“Bonsoir” to “Bonjour” in French: a Viral Moment

There’s a hilarious viral video that highlights the confusion between “bonjour” and “bonsoir.” In this short video, a young French man greets someone with “bonjour,” and the response they receive is “bonsoir” instead. The comedic effect comes from the idea that when you respond with “bonsoir” to someone who said “bonjour,” it almost sounds like you’re somehow putting a little extra “sophistication” on the interaction, as if you’ve already moved into evening mode—even though it’s still the afternoon.

This video plays on the lighthearted nature of French etiquette, where sometimes a simple greeting can become a moment of humorous exchange.

Common Phrases with Bonjour

To personalize your greeting, here are some common phrases that follow “bonjour.” These can add warmth to your interactions:

1. Bonjour mon ami – “Good morning, my friend”
   A warm greeting for friends and close acquaintances.
2. Bonjour tout le monde – “Good morning, everyone”
   A friendly greeting when addressing a group of people.
3. Bonjour à toutes et à tous – “Good morning to all”
   A slightly more formal version for a group or audience.
4. Bonjour, comment ça va ? – “Good morning, how’s it going?”
   A casual, friendly way to ask how someone is doing after your initial greeting.
5. Bonjour, ça va bien ? – “Good morning, is everything good?”
   Another conversational follow-up that asks how someone is doing.
6. Bonjour, madame/monsieur – “Good morning, madam/sir”
   A formal greeting when addressing someone you don’t know well or in professional settings.

Informal Greetings: Salut, Coucou, and More

French offers a variety of informal greetings that are perfect for friends and close family:

1. Salut toi – “Hey you”
   Casual, familiar greeting for close friends or acquaintances.
2. Coucou ma belle – “Hey, beautiful”
   Affectionate, playful greeting that can be used with loved ones.
3. Salut tout le monde – “Hi everyone”
   Informal greeting for a group, typically used with friends.
4. Salut, ça roule ? – “Hey, how’s it rolling?”
   A casual way of asking how someone is doing—similar to “How’s it going?” in English.
5. Coucou, comment vas-tu ? – “Hey, how are you?”
   A relaxed and friendly greeting, often used with close friends.

Bonjour, Bonsoir in French – How to Say It With Gestures & Kisses

In addition to “bonjour” and “bonsoir,” there’s another important part of French greetings: the gestures that go along with them. Whether it’s a wave or a kiss, the way you greet someone can vary depending on the context.

1. Waving:

In informal settings, it’s common to greet someone with a friendly wave after saying “bonjour” or “bonsoir,” especially if you’re just passing by. Waving is a universal, casual greeting and can be used in place of saying something when you’re too far away to speak.

2. Kissing (la bise):

In France, kissing on the cheeks, also known as la bise, is an integral part of greeting people in many situations. However, there are several rules to understand:

• How Many Kisses? The number of kisses varies depending on the region. In Paris, people typically kiss twice—once on each cheek—but in some parts of France, it could be three or four.
• Which Cheek to Start? The rule of which cheek to start with can also vary, but generally, the left cheek is the first. This can be confusing at first, but it’s generally understood after a few experiences.
• When to Kiss? La bise is common among friends, family, and sometimes colleagues, but it’s not typically done in formal business settings, where a handshake might be more appropriate.

Goodbye Phrases in French

Once you’ve greeted someone, it’s time to say goodbye! Here are the most common French phrases for parting ways:

1. Au revoir – “Goodbye”
   The standard, formal way of saying goodbye.
2. À bientôt – “See you soon”
   A casual goodbye for someone you’ll see again in the near future.
3. À la prochaine – “Until next time”
   A way to say you’ll see someone at some point in the future, though it’s less specific than “à bientôt.”
4. À lundi prochain – “See you next Monday”
   A great way to bid farewell if you won’t see someone until a specific day, like Monday.
5. Bonne journée – “Have a good day”
   A polite and kind phrase used when leaving during the day.
6. Bonne soirée – “Have a good evening”
   Perfect for when you’re leaving in the evening or when you’re parting ways during a social event.
7. Bonne nuit – “Good night”
   Used when saying goodbye to someone who’s heading to bed.

Mot de la Fin Around Greetings in French

Mastering “bonjour” and “bonsoir” is key to sounding natural when speaking French. These simple greetings reflect the time of day, and knowing when to use them will help you integrate into French culture. As you advance, you’ll also want to know how to personalize your greetings with phrases like “bonjour mon ami” or “bonjour tout le monde.” And remember, the way you physically greet someone matters too—whether it’s a wave or a kiss, la bise is a charming and deeply ingrained part of French culture.

With this knowledge, you’ll be ready to confidently greet others in French and understand the cultural context behind it all. À bientôt, and bonne chance in your French learning journey!