Bonsoir !
neutral
To a girl you say Bonsoir ! The greeting is the same for any person, and you only change what you add after it. It is also called Salut ! and Bonsoir, mademoiselle.
Meaning: evening greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Bonsoir ! | neutral |
| Salut ! | casual |
| Bonsoir, mademoiselle | polite |
Add the name for a friendly tone, as in Bonsoir, Léa. With a girl you do not know, Bonsoir, mademoiselle is polite, although mademoiselle is less used than before and madame is now common for any adult woman.
Which one should you use?
Between friends the casual Salut ! also works in the evening. Bonne soirée ! is a wish for the evening, used when you say goodbye.
Did you know?
- French speakers switch from bonjour to bonsoir at around the time it gets dark or when they sit down to dinner, with no fixed hour.
Examples in context
- Bonsoir, tu vas bien ?Good evening, are you well?
- Bonne soirée !Have a good evening!
Example conversation
Julien arrives at a dinner and greets Léa at the door.
- JulienBonsoir, Léa !Good evening, Léa!
- LéaBonsoir, Julien. Entre.Good evening, Julien. Come in.
- JulienVoici des fleurs pour toi.Here are some flowers for you.
- LéaMerci, elles sont superbes.Thanks, they are lovely.
