Bonsoir, monsieur
polite, formal
To a man in the evening say Bonsoir, monsieur if you want to be polite, or just Bonsoir ! The base greeting is the same for anyone. It is also called Salut !
Meaning: evening greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Bonsoir, monsieur | polite, formal |
| Bonsoir ! | neutral |
| Salut ! | casual |
Use monsieur with an adult man you do not know well. With a man you call tu, say Bonsoir with his name or Salut.
Which one should you use?
Bonne soirée, monsieur is a wish for the rest of the evening, used when parting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
A waiter or a hotel receptionist will say Bonsoir, monsieur as a standard welcome. You can answer with the same words.
Did you know?
- The word monsieur comes from mon sieur, "my lord", and has been shortened in writing to M. since the Middle Ages.
Examples in context
- Bonsoir, Marc. Comment vas-tu ?Good evening, Marc. How are you?
- Bonne soirée, monsieur.Have a good evening, sir.
Example conversation
A guest (Client) arrives at a restaurant in Lyon and the waiter (Serveur) greets him.
- ServeurBonsoir, monsieur.Good evening, sir.
- ClientBonsoir. Une table pour deux, s'il vous plaît.Good evening. A table for two, please.
- ServeurSuivez-moi.Follow me.
- ClientMerci.Thank you.
