Bonjour tout le monde
The English phrase 'good morning everybody' is translated into French as Bonjour tout le monde.
In French, Bonjour is used for both 'good morning' and 'good afternoon' until the sun begins to set.
Which one should you use?
Bonjour tout le monde is slightly more casual and warmer than the more formal Bonjour à tous.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Canadian province of Quebec, it is common to say Bon matin à tous ! which means "Good morning to all!" In Louisiana Creole French, the expression Bonjou messieurs-dames ! translates to "Good morning, gentlemen and ladies!"
How does it change in a sentence?
Despite referring to a group of people, tout le monde is grammatically singular and takes a singular verb.
Did you know?
- The French monde is a 'semi-learned' word. It was specifically altered in the 12th century to ensure it sounded different from mont, the word for 'mountain'.
- Although Bonjour tout le monde is used for groups, a French speaker might respond to this greeting by only acknowledging the person closest to them rather than the whole group.
Examples in context
- Bonjour tout le monde.Good morning, everybody.Tatoeba #9495 by sysko, translation #22122 by CK
- Bonjour tout le monde, comment allez-vous ?Good morning everybody, how are you all doing?
Example conversation
Emma enters the office to greet her colleagues.
- EmmaBonjour tout le monde !Good morning everybody!
- NathanBonjour Emma, tu vas bien ?Good morning Emma, are you doing well?
- EmmaOui, merci, et toi Nathan ?Yes, thanks, and you Nathan?
- NathanTrès bien, merci.Very well, thanks.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bonjour, bonjour, le, monde, tout, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
