bonjour les élèves
The English phrase 'good morning students' is translated into French as bonjour les élèves.
This phrase is used by a teacher to address a group of students at the start of the day. In French, the greeting bonjour is used for both 'good morning' and 'good day' and serves as the standard greeting from sunrise until evening.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'hello the students' because bonjour is used for both 'good morning' and 'good day'.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers use 'good morning' specifically for the early part of the day, the French bonjour is the general greeting used throughout the daytime. Additionally, a teacher of very young children in a primary school setting might say bonjour les enfants ('good morning children') instead of using bonjour les élèves.
Did you know?
- While élève means 'student', it shares the same root as the English word 'elevate' because it describes someone being raised up through education.
- While élève means 'student', the word étudiant is reserved almost exclusively for those in higher education, such as university.
- Although bonjour is the standard greeting, a teacher might use salut with students in very informal settings, but this can be seen as too casual in traditional schools.
Examples in context
- Bonjour les élèves, asseyez-vous.Good morning students, sit down.
- Bonjour les élèves, ouvrez vos livres.Good morning students, open your books.
- Bonjour les élèves, est-ce que tout le monde est là ?Good morning students, is everyone here?
Example conversation
A teacher enters the classroom at the start of the day.
- ChloéBonjour les élèves, j'espère que vous allez bien.Good morning students, I hope you are doing well.
- GabrielBonjour madame, nous allons très bien !Good morning ma'am, we are doing very well!
- ChloéC'est super, Gabriel. Sortez vos cahiers.That's great, Gabriel. Get out your notebooks.
- GabrielOui, j'en ai déjà sorti un.Yes, I already took one out.
