If you're visiting a French-speaking country or staying with a friend who is a French speaker, you'll want to know how to say "good morning" in that language. The standard greeting for saying “good morning” in French is “bonjour” (bong-zhu), which actually translates as “good afternoon” and is usually used to say hello (e.g. “hi” or “hello”). French speakers, especially in France itself, don't use the literal phrase "good morning" to greet people at the start of the day. In addition, there are various other typical morning traditions performed by the French and may seem strange to you, especially if you grew up in Indonesia.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Greet Others in the Morning
Step 1. Say "bonjour" to say good morning in most contexts
Although the word “matin” (“ma-tang”) in French means “morning,” French speakers don't use it to say “good morning” to others. Instead, they just say “bonjour” (“bong-zhu”). While it technically means "good afternoon" and is more commonly used to say "hello," this phrase is a common choice for saying "good morning" in most French-speaking countries.
In general, the French do not emphasize the moment in the morning. For example, for breakfast, the French enjoy a small and light meal. This could be the reason they are not used to greeting others specifically using the phrase “good morning”
Exception:
In Quebec, you can hear the phrase “bon matin” (“bong ripe”) which literally means “good morning”. This phrase is not a traditional greeting in French, but has been adopted by French speakers in Canada.
Step 2. Switch to " salute " when greeting a friend
“Salut” (“sa-lu”) is a more casual form of the word “hello”, similar to the greeting “hi”. If you are talking to a close friend or younger person in the morning, this greeting can be a good choice for saying "good morning".
French culture is relatively formal. Even among close family members, greeting “salute” may not be appropriate if the other person is older than you (or holds a higher position/authority)
Step 3. Say "bonne matinée" as you go
The phrase " bonne matinée " (“bon ma-ti-ne”) means “good morning”, but is never said when you meet someone for the first time in the morning. Instead, this phrase can be said when you are about to leave and continue with your activities.
In this context, this phrase more accurately means “good morning” and is pronounced as a wish when you leave someone. You can think of it like the phrase “have a nice day” someone says before parting ways or leaving
Method 2 of 3: Customizing Morning Greetings
Step 1. Use a title if you're greeting someone you don't know
Due to formality in French culture, it is more polite to include a title when greeting someone you do not know, such as when you use the Indonesian words “Sir” or “Madam”. However, in French, it is mandatory to mention the title when you are speaking to a stranger, even if they are the same age or younger. Add a title after you say " bonjour ". Some commonly used titles include:
- " Madame " (ma-dam), if you are speaking to someone who is married or older.
- " Monsieur " (me-syu, with the vowel “e” as in “benda”), if you are speaking to an adult male, whether married or unmarried.
- " Mademoiselle " (mad-mwa-zel, with the vowel “e” as in “benda”), if you are speaking to a young woman.
Tip:
If you want to greet a group of girls, you can use the word " mesdames " (me-dam, with the vowel "e" as in "red"). Greet a group of men with the word " messieurs " (me-syu, with the vowel "e" as in the word "red"). For a group of men and women, you can say " Bonjour, mesdames et messieurs " ("bong-zhu me-da-me se me-syu", with all the "e" vowels as in "medan"). To pronounce it well, combine the consonant "s" at the end of the word "mesdames" with the word "et". You can even shorten it further to " Bonjour messieurs dames " ("bong-zhu me-syu dam")
Step 2. Add the phrase “tous “(“a tus”) after “bonjour “to say “good morning” to a group of people
If you meet people you already know, you can omit the formal use of titles. Just say “bonjour tous” (bong-zhu a-tus”).
Unlike in most French words, the "s" sound at the end of " tous " is still pronounced, even if it is not extended
Step 3. Insert the affectionate call if it feels appropriate
You may want to use a warmer greeting to greet a close family member or partner when you wake up in the morning. Say "bonjour", followed by a call of affection to reflect your affection for the person you are talking to. Some common affectionate nicknames in French include:
- " Mon amour " (“mon a-mukh”) – My love.
- " Ma chérie " (“ma she-khi”, with the vowel “e” as in “red”) – My dear (from male to female).
- " Mon chéri " (“mon sye-khi”, with a vowel “e” as in “red”) – My dear (from woman to man).
- " Mon cher " (“mon sheikh”) – My dear (from woman to man)
- “Ma chère” (“ma sheikh”) – My dear (from male to female)
- " Ma belle " (“ma bell”, with a vowel “e” as in “red”) – My beautiful girl (from male to female, informal)
Tip:
If there are masculine and feminine forms of the adjective you want to use, use a form that matches the gender of the other person. If only the masculine form is available (eg in the phrase " mon amour "), the term is suitable for all genders. If only the feminine form is available (as in " ma belle "), the phrase is only suitable for women.
Method 3 of 3: Using a Different Form of Morning Greeting
Step 1. Kiss your friend on both cheeks as the first greeting in the morning
A distant kiss on the cheek of friends and acquaintances is common in the morning, especially if this is your first time meeting someone. In general, "faire la bise" includes two kisses, with one kiss for each cheek. However, different traditions certainly apply in different areas.
- For example, friends in the Brittany region greet each other with just one kiss. Meanwhile, in the Normandy area, friends greet each other with four kisses (two kisses each for each cheek). In the south of France, people usually give three kisses.
- Basically, "faire la bise" is only done when you first greet someone in the morning or when you say "good night" before going to bed or parting ways. If you're going to meet a friend and spend the rest of the day with them, a "salute" and a hug will suffice.
Tip:
If you're meeting a group of friends for the first time in the morning, it's customary to greet everyone with a kiss from afar, even when you say “bonjour tous” to everyone at once.
Step 2. Hold out your hand if you just want to shake hands
At times, you may not feel comfortable with the traditional "faire la bise" greeting. If you don't want to do this, straighten yourself up and extend your arms toward the other person while saying "bonjour".
- The other person will usually interpret your body language and understand that you just want a handshake, not a kiss. Usually, the other person will not feel offended, especially if they are already friends with you.
- Men usually greet each other with a handshake, rather than a kiss, especially those who live in urban areas.
Step 3. Shake the hand of someone else older than you (or a higher position)
Historically, "faire la bise" has been considered a nearly universal form of French greeting. However, this culture has changed and is usually used among friends and family members. If someone has a higher position or title, both socially and at work, shaking hands in the morning is a more common form of greeting than exchanging long distance kisses.
- For example, in the past, managers used to give their employees a distant kiss as a form of greeting in the morning. However, over time, this habit is considered too familiar and relaxed in the workplace.
- Keep in mind that French culture is generally very formal. When in doubt, remember that a handshake is always more acceptable, while a distant kiss isn't always appropriate in all situations.
