Do you say salut or bonjour?

Just as in English, there are several ways to say hello in French. You can simply use the informal salut (hi) on its own. You can also use bonjour (good morning or good afternoon) or bonsoir (good evening). You would only use bonne nuit (good night) at bedtime.

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Is it OK to say salut in French?

Salut is a casual French expression. There are pretty strict rules about when to use salut. This is an informal greeting and because it's considered so casual, salut should only be used as a greeting between close friends.

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What is the difference between salut and bonjour?

Salut like saying "Hello", while Bonjour is like" Hello/ Good day/ or Good morning". But Bonjour is used when you don't know the person that well. Salut you can say to your friends and family.

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Do French people still say salut?

In modern-day French, “salut” is a common informal greeting that is used in everyday conversation. However, its use is still subject to cultural norms and context, and it is important to be aware of when and how to use it appropriately.

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Is bonjour or salut more formal?

Salut (pronounced with a silent t) is commonly used in France, although it is extremely informal: It's the equivalent of saying "hey" in English. Avoid using salut with people you don't know unless you are a teenager. If you are in doubt, stick with bonjour, which—as noted—is always an acceptable form of greeting.

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French Pronunciation of "Bonjour" and "Salut"

16 related questions found

Is it rude not to say bonjour in France?

In France, saying bonjour in French is a sign of respect and a cultural norm. It's not optional to forgo the greeting if you want people to know that you understand French manners.

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Can you respond to bonjour with salut?

You can either reply saying "Bonjour" back or you could say "salut" which also means hello but in an informal way. This is especially important in French because French-speakers tend to be much more formal about greetings.

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What country uses salut as a greeting?

4. Salut – Hi. Considered one of the more casual greetings in French, salut is appropriate when you see someone again later in the day.

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Can salut be used as hello?

The casual one: Salut!

About: Kind of functionally a French ciao or aloha, salut is a general greeting that can be used for both hello and goodbye.

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Can you say salut to strangers?

Salut is not a way that you would greet strangers either, while it is used in informal settings, it is mainly said to people you know. This can include any acquaintances, though, not just friends and family.

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How do you say cheers in France?

Wondering how to say Cheers in French? You can say “Santé” which translates to “to your health”. A more polite way is to say “À votre santé!”, which is another common way to say cheers in French.

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How do you respond to salut?

After you greet someone in French with bonjour or salut and you both make your introductions, you can say enchanté(e), which means “pleased to meet you”. The literal translation of this word is “delighted” or “enchanted”, you're saying that you're delighted to meet this person. If you're male, say enchanté.

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Is it bon soir or bonsoir?

BONSOIR means GOOD EVENING. BONNE SOIRÉE means HAVE A NICE EVENING. Do you notice the difference? The first one is a way of saying hello.

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Can you say Bonsoir as goodbye?

Once you reach the end of the afternoon around 6 p.m., you stop saying bonjour and you start to say bonsoir, which means “good evening.” Unlike bonjour, you can use bonsoir when saying goodbye where it would translate more to “goodnight” instead of “hello.” If it's so late in the night that whoever you're saying ...

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Who says salut for cheers?

The most common word used in Spanish to say cheers is ¡Salud!, which means 'health', in the same way as the French say santé and the Germans gesondheid. Spaniards may also direct their toast specifically at the person they're drinking with by saying ¡A tu salud!

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What is the greeting etiquette in France?

It is expected that you will shake hands with everyone present when arriving and leaving. Among friends and relatives, the most common greeting is the 'la bise' (kiss on both cheeks). The la bise consists of placing one's cheek against another's, making a kiss noise, then repeating it on the opposite side.

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How do you say no in France?

No in French is “non”.

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Can you say salut as goodbye?

Salut (Sah-lou). This is a very casual way of saying goodbye (or rather, 'bye!) in French. Note that it also means “hi!”

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How do you greet a girl in French?

With a verbal greeting you should say "Bonjour" (Hello) + their title or first name if you are friends. The French etiquette for saying goodbye is pretty much the same. Merci Monsieur, Madame etc.

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What are the two meanings of salut?

"Salut" can be used both for "hello" and "goodbye". It is an informal way of greeting someone or bidding them farewell.

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What is considered rude to French?

It is rude to sit with one's legs spread apart unless in a relaxed context. Rather, sit straight with your legs crossed at the knee or knees together. Feet should not be placed on tables or chairs. If someone is invited to a restaurant or a business function, it is acceptable to arrive at the specific time.

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Is it rude to say excuse me in France?

It's used by some people (and too many French people, even!) to say “Please excuse me”… But instead it actually means “I'm granting myself forgiveness.” This is a common mistake, and also rude. So use “Excusez-moi” instead.

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How do you say hello in French formal?

A Polite Way to Say Hello in French

Bonjour Monsieur. Bonjour mademoiselle. or Bonjour Camille if you are on a first-name basis with the person. Bonjour monsieur Dupont – for more formal occasions.

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