Bonjour madame
The English phrase "good afternoon mam" can be translated into French as Bonjour madame.
The phrase is a polite greeting used to address a woman during the day.
Which one should you use?
While Bonjour madame is a standard greeting that can be used during the afternoon, you may also use Bon après-midi, madame to specifically say "good afternoon, ma'am". For a more extended expression, Je vous souhaite un bon après-midi, madame can be used to mean "I wish you a good afternoon, ma'am".
Did you know?
- In many French-speaking cultures, simply saying Bonjour is more common and polite than using the specific phrase Bon après-midi, which is often reserved for saying goodbye.
- The word madame literally translates to 'my lady', originating from the Old French ma dame, reflecting a history of addressing women with high social standing.
- In France, it is considered impolite to say Bonjour to a shopkeeper or waiter without adding madame or monsieur.
Examples in context
- Bon après-midi, madame. Passez une excellente journée.Good afternoon, ma'am. Have a great day.
- Bonjour madame, comment allez-vous ?Good afternoon ma'am, how are you?
- Bonjour madame, je voudrais un café.Good afternoon ma'am, I would like a coffee.
Example conversation
Lucas enters a bakery and greets the shopkeeper.
- ChloéBonjour madame, je voudrais un croissant.Good afternoon madam, I would like a croissant.
- LucasBonjour Lucas, un croissant tout chaud ?Good afternoon Lucas, a hot croissant?
- ChloéOui, s'il vous plaît.Yes, please.
- LucasVoilà pour vous.Here it is for you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bonjour, bonjour, madame, CC BY-SA 4.0.
