Say Hello in French Like Locals Do (Examples & Pronunciations)

You probably know “Bonjour” means hello in French. But that’s just the start.

Here are real ways French speakers say hello, based on who they’re talking to and when.

Bonjour – standard and polite
Salut – casual, for friends
Coucou – playful, used in texts
Wesh – slang, heard among teens
Bonsoir – for evenings
Allô – used only on the phone
Je vous salue – Very formal. You might hear it in public speeches or formal writing.
Hé – Casual “hey.” Short and informal.
Quoi de neuf ? – Means “what’s new?

Each one fits a different moment. This guide shows how to greet in French the way people actually do — with examples and when to use each one.

10 Ways to Say Hello in French (And When to Use Them)

1. Bonjour

Use this in the morning or afternoon with anyone.

Example: Saying hello to a cashier or colleague.

2. Bonsoir

Say this in the evening, starting around 6PM.

Example: Greeting someone at a dinner party.

3. Salut

Casual and friendly. Use it with people you know.

Example: Meeting a friend or texting someone.

4. Coucou

Playful. Mostly used in messages or with kids.

Example: Texting your best friend or saying hi to a child.

5. Allô

Only for phone calls. Never use it face-to-face.

Example: Picking up the phone: “Allô ?”

6. Wesh

Slang. Used by teens and in street language.

Example: “Wesh, ça va ?” (Hey, how are you?)

7. Ça va ?

Literally means “how’s it going?”, often used alone as hello.

Example: Walking into a room: “Ça va ?”

8. Hé

Casual “hey.” Short and informal.

Example: Trying to get someone’s attention: “Hé, Paul !”

9. Quoi de neuf ?

Means “what’s new?” — casual greeting between friends.

Example: Seeing an old classmate.

10. Bien le bonjour

Old fashioned or humorous. Not common, but understood.

Example: Used in writing or to sound playful.

Formal Greetings (For Work, Strangers, or Older People)

Use these when you’re speaking to someone older, someone you don’t know, or in professional settings.

Greeting	When to Use It	Example
Je vous salue	Very formal. Found in speeches or formal writing.	Used in a public ceremony or traditional event.
Bonjour	Use during the day in formal or public settings.	You walk into a bakery. You say “Bonjour.”
Bonsoir	Say this in the evening or at night.	You enter a restaurant for dinner. You say “Bonsoir.”
Comment allez-vous ?	Respectful way to ask “how are you?”	You greet a client or elder. You say “Comment allez-vous ?”

Casual and Friendly Greetings in French

Use these when you’re with people you know. They’re relaxed and common in daily life.

Greeting	When to Use It	Example
Salut	Use with friends, classmates, or coworkers you know.	You walk into a friend’s house. You say “Salut.”
Coucou	Playful. Often used in texts or with close friends.	You send a message to a friend. You write “Coucou.”
Ça va ?	Casual “how’s it going?” Often used as hello.	You meet someone at a café. You say “Ça va ?”
Hé	Simple “hey.” Used to get attention.	You see a friend across the street. You say “Hé !”

Slang and Modern Ways to Say Hello in French

These are used in casual settings, often by teens or young adults.

Greeting	When to Use It	Example
Wesh	Used like “yo” or “what’s up.” Common in youth slang.	You greet a friend in the street. You say “Wesh.”
Yo	Borrowed from English. Very casual.	You start a group chat. You type “Yo.”
Quoi de neuf ?	Means “what’s new?” Friendly and relaxed.	You meet a friend after time apart. You say “Quoi de neuf ?”
Re	Short for “rebonjour” or “re-salut.” Means “back again.”	You return to a group chat. You say “Re.”

📌 Tip: These aren’t for formal use. Only use them with people you know well.

When to Use Each Greeting

Different greetings work in different situations. Use this as a quick guide.

By Time of Day

Bonjour – Use in the morning or afternoon
Bonsoir – Use in the evening

By Relationship

Formal (strangers, older people, work): Bonjour, Bonsoir, Comment allez-vous
Friendly (friends, family): Salut, Coucou, Ça va ?
Very casual (close friends, texts): Wesh, Yo, Re

By Setting

In person: Bonjour, Salut, Ça va ?
On the phone: Allô
In a message: Coucou, Yo, Re

✔ You meet a neighbor in the hallway in the morning — say “Bonjour”

✔ You message your best friend — say “Coucou”

✔ You pick up the phone — say “Allô”

Mistakes to Avoid When Greeting in French

Mistake	What to Avoid	What to Do
Using casual greetings in formal settings	❌ You greet your professor with “Salut”	✅ Say “Bonjour” instead
Skipping a greeting	❌ You walk into a store and say nothing	✅ Always say “Bonjour” when entering
Using “Allô” in person	❌ You say “Allô” face-to-face	✅ Use “Allô” only on the phone
Wrong time greeting	❌ You say “Bonjour” at night	✅ Say “Bonsoir” in the evening
Mispronouncing greetings	❌ You say “Bon-jor”	✅ Say “Bon-zhur”