Bonjour madame
The English phrase "good morning ma'am" can be said in French as Bonjour madame.
Bonjour madame is a common and formal way to say good morning ma'am in French. In French, it is considered more polite and natural to include the title madame when greeting a woman, rather than just saying Bonjour.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, which distinguishes between "good morning" and "good afternoon", French uses Bonjour for both throughout the day until sunset.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using madame is the standard formal way to address a woman in a professional or respectful social setting.
Did you know?
- If you use madame to address a very young girl, it can sound sarcastic or mockingly formal, as the term implies a grown woman.
- The word madame originally meant 'my lady', a title once reserved for women of high social standing or nobility.
- French speakers may repeat the greeting as Bonjour, bonjour madame to sound more warm or cheerful.
Examples in context
- Bonjour madame, comment allez-vous ?Good morning ma'am, how are you?
- Bonjour madame, je vous souhaite une bonne journée.Good morning ma'am, I wish you a good day.
Example conversation
Nathan enters a bakery and greets the owner.
- EmmaBonjour madame.Good morning ma'am.
- NathanBonjour Nathan, bienvenue !Good morning Nathan, welcome!
- EmmaJe voudrais un croissant, s'il vous plaît.I would like a croissant, please.
- NathanTrès bien, je vous sers ça tout de suite.Very well, I will serve that to you right away.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bonjour, bonjour, madame, CC BY-SA 4.0.
