bonjour la classe
The English phrase 'good morning class' is translated into French as bonjour la classe.
bonjour la classe is a greeting used by a teacher to address students at the start of a lesson. Note that French does not have a specific equivalent to 'good morning' used as a greeting. bonjour is used for both 'good morning' and 'good afternoon' until the evening.
Which one should you use?
While bonjour la classe is a standard way to address the group, you may choose other forms depending on your relationship with the students. For example, Bonjour à tous means 'Good morning, everyone', while Bonjour les élèves means 'Good morning, students' and Bonjour chers étudiants means 'Good morning, dear students'.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of classe comes from 'classis', which originally referred to a fleet of ships or a division of a navy.
- In France, the greeting bonjour is so essential that failing to say it when entering a shop or addressing a group is often considered a genuine social offense rather than just a lapse in manners.
- In a traditional French classroom, the teacher might not say bonjour la classe at all, but instead wait for the students to stand up in unison as a sign of respect before beginning the lesson.
Examples in context
- Bonjour à tous. J'espère que vous avez passé une excellente nuit et que vous êtes prêts pour une journée productive.Good morning, everyone. I hope you had a great night's sleep and are ready for a productive day.
- Bonjour la classe, asseyez-vous.Good morning class, sit down.
- Bonjour la classe, sortez vos livres.Good morning class, take out your books.
Example conversation
A teacher enters the classroom to start the lesson.
- HugoBonjour la classe, comment allez-vous ?Good morning class, how are you doing?
- ChloéBonjour Monsieur Hugo, ça va bien !Good morning Mr. Hugo, we are doing well!
- HugoTrès bien, ouvrez vos livres à la page dix.Very good, open your books to page ten.
- ChloéD'accord, on commence tout de suite.Okay, we are starting right away.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bonjour, classe, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
