Bonjour, madame
polite, formal
To a lady in the morning say Bonjour, madame. French uses bonjour for "good morning" and "good day" alike, and madame makes it respectful. It is also called Bonjour ! and Bonne journée, madame.
Meaning: morning greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Bonjour, madame | polite, formal |
| Bonjour ! | neutral |
| Bonne journée, madame | polite farewell |
The word madame is used for an adult woman you do not know well, whether or not she is married. Say it after bonjour, not alone.
Which one should you use?
There is no separate word for "good morning" in French. Bonne matinée exists, but it is a wish for the morning, used when parting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
With a lady you address as vous, add Comment allez-vous ? for "how are you".
Did you know?
- Shop staff in France expect a bonjour when you enter, and leaving it out is often seen as rude.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, madame. Vous allez bien ?Good morning, madam. Are you well?
- Bonjour, madame Martin.Good morning, Mrs. Martin.
- Bonne journée, madame.Have a good day, madam.
Example conversation
Pierre greets the baker Madame Lefèvre at her shop in Rouen.
- PierreBonjour, madame.Good morning, madam.
- Madame LefèvreBonjour, monsieur. Que désirez-vous ?Good morning, sir. What would you like?
- PierreUne baguette, s'il vous plaît.A baguette, please.
- Madame LefèvreVoilà. Bonne journée !Here you are. Have a good day!
