If you plan to visit a place where the French language is spoken or spend the night with a French friend, you may want to learn how to say "good morning." The standard way of saying "good morning" in French is "bonjour" (bon-yur), which literally translates to "good morning" and is used to say "hello." In France especially, French-speaking people don't often use a literal "good morning" to greet each other at the start of the day. There are many other morning traditions that the French observe that you may find strange, especially if you were raised in another country.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Greet people in the morning
Step 1. Say "bonjour" to tell people "good morning" in most contexts
As much as the word "matin" means "tomorrow", the French generally do not use it to say "good morning". Instead, they simply say "bonjour" (bon-yur). While the word technically means "good morning" and is often used to say "hello", it is the common way in French-speaking countries to say hello in the morning.
Generally, the French do not put much emphasis on the morning. For example, breakfast is a small, light meal. Perhaps this is the reason why they do not greet specifically as "good morning" (referring to the morning)
Exception:
In Quebec, it is common to hear "bon matin", which literally means "good morning". This is not a traditional French greeting, but has been adopted by many French-speaking Canadians.
Step 2. Try saying "salut" when greeting friends
"Salut" (sa-lú) is more casual than "hola", similar to "hola" in Spanish. When talking to a close friend or people younger than you in the morning, this is a good way to say "good morning."
French culture is relatively formal. Even among close family members, "salut" might not be appropriate if they are older than you or have some degree of authority over you
Step 3. Try saying "bonne matinée" when you say goodbye
The phrase "bonne matinée" (bon-ma-ti-né) means "good morning", but it is never used when greeting someone for the first time in the morning. Instead, you can say it when you leave to start your day.
Used in this way, the phrase more precisely means "have a good morning" as a wish when you leave. You can think of it as the phrase "have a good day" that is used in Spanish-speaking countries when saying goodbye
Method 2 of 3: Customize Your Morning Greeting
Step 1. Use a title to greet someone you don't know
Due to the formality of French culture, it is considered polite behavior to add the title when greeting someone you don't know, something similar to "sir" or "lady" in Spanish. However, in French the titles are appropriate when speaking with someone you do not know, no matter how old they are or younger. Add the title after saying "bonjour." The most common titles are:
- "Madame" (ma-dam) when greeting a woman who is obviously married or older than you
- "Monsieur" (mu-siu) when talking to a grown man, married or not
- "Mademoiselle" (mad-amoi-sela) when greeting a young girl
Tip:
when addressing a group of women, you can greet them all by saying "mesdames" (my-lady). He greets a group of men by saying "messieurs" (mi-siu). In the case of a mixed group, you can say "Bonjour, mesdames et messieurs". To pronounce the phrase correctly, add an "i" between "mesdames" and "messieurs." You can make it shorter by saying "Bonjour messieurs dames."
Step 2. Add the phrase "à tous" after "bonjour" to say "good morning" to a group of people
If you want to greet a group of people you know, you can avoid the formality of titles. Instead, try saying "bonjour à tous" (bon-yur-at-us).
Unlike most French words, the "s" at the end of "tous" is pronounced, although it is not prolonged
Step 3. Include a loving word when appropriate
You may prefer a warmer greeting for a close family member or important person upon waking up in the morning. Saying "bonjour" followed by a loving word will allow you to show affection. Some of these common words in French are:
- "Mon amour" (mon a-mur): my love
- "Ma chérie" (ma ye-ri): my dear, my love (to a woman)
- "Mon chéri" (mon ye-ri): my dear, my love (to a man)
- "Mon cher" (mon yer): my love, my dear (to a man)
- "Ma chère (ma yer): my dear, my love (to a woman)
- "Ma belle" (ma bela): my beautiful (for a woman, informal)
Tip:
If there is a masculine and feminine form of the adjective, use the one that suits the sex of the person you are addressing. If there is only one male form available (such as "mon amour"), the term is suitable for all genders. If there is only one female form available (such as "ma belle"), it is only appropriate for use with women.
Method 3 of 3: Use Other Types of Morning Greetings
Step 1. Kiss your friends on the cheeks to greet them first thing in the morning
Air kisses on the cheeks of friends and acquaintances are very common in the morning, especially if it is the first time you see someone. Generally, the "faire la bise" involves two kisses, one on each cheek. However, different traditions prevail in different regions.
- For example, friends in Brittany greet each other only with a kiss. In Normandy, friends greet each other with four kisses, two on each cheek. In the south of France, they generally greet each other with three kisses.
- Traditionally, the "faire la bise" is only used when greeting a person upon seeing them for the first time in the day or when saying "good night" at the end of the day. If you see your friends throughout the day, a hug and say "hello" will be enough.
Tip:
If you see a group of friends first thing in the morning, the custom is to greet each other individually with air kisses, even if you say "bonjour à tous" to all of them just once.
Step 2. Reach out if you just want to shake hands
In some circumstances, you may not be comfortable with the idea of the traditional "faire la bise" greeting. If you want to avoid this, keep your body upright and reach out to the person while saying "bonjour."
- Usually, the other person will interpret your body language to indicate that you just want to shake hands, rather than air kiss. People are not usually offended, especially if they are friends.
- Men in particular are more likely to greet other men with a handshake, rather than an air kiss, especially in more urban areas.
Step 3. Give a handshake to people who are older than you or who have a certain degree of authority over you
Historically, the custom of "faire la bise" was an almost universal greeting in France. However, it has evolved, which is why it is generally used among friends and family. If someone considers that they are in a position of authority, either socially or at work, it is common to shake hands in the morning, instead of kissing the air.
- For example, in the past, it used to be customary for the supervisor to greet employees with an air kiss in the morning. However, this greeting is increasingly considered more familiar and friendly.
- Keep in mind that French culture is generally very formal. When in doubt, a handshake is always appropriate, while air kisses might not be.