In daily life, how we say "hello" in French changes based on the time of day and whether the situation is serious or casual. Here’s a simple guide to help you with common French greetings that you can use anytime. We will also look at some polite words and phrases.

Morning Greetings

• Bonjour: This means "Good morning" or "Hello." You can say it all the way until evening.
• Salut: This is a friendly way to say "Hi." Use it with friends or people you know well.

Afternoon Greetings

• Bonjour: You can keep using "Bonjour" in the afternoon until about 6 PM.
• Salut: This greeting is still good for friendly chats.

Evening Greetings

• Bonsoir: This means "Good evening." You should say it after 6 PM until it's time to sleep.
• Salut: Still a good choice for casual talks.

Nighttime Greetings

• Bonne nuit: This means "Good night." Use this when you’re saying goodbye at night, especially before bed.

Polite Expressions

Being polite in conversations can make them nicer. Here are some helpful phrases:

• S'il vous plaît: This means "Please." Use it when you're asking for something politely.

  • Example: “Pourriez-vous m'aider, s'il vous plaît?” (Could you help me, please?)

• Merci: This means "Thank you." It’s nice to show you’re thankful.

  • Example: “Merci pour votre aide!” (Thank you for your help!)

• Excusez-moi: This means "Excuse me." You can use it to get someone's attention or to say you’re sorry.

  • Example: “Excusez-moi, où est la gare?” (Excuse me, where is the train station?)

Key Points to Remember

• Use Bonjour and Salut in the morning and afternoon.
• Switch to Bonsoir in the evening.
• Use polite phrases like s'il vous plaît, merci, and excusez-moi to be respectful and kind in conversations.

By using these greetings and polite words, you’ll find it easier to talk with people in French. This will make your experience more fun! Practice these phrases, and you’ll feel more confident using them every day!