bonjour, chéri
The English phrase "hello, dear" is translated into French as bonjour, chéri.
This phrase is an affectionate greeting intended for a romantic partner or a very close family member. It is not used for casual acquaintances. For instance, while bonjour, chéri is intimate, other variations like Bonjour, cher Monsieur (Hello, dear Sir) or Salut, cher ami (Hello, dear friend) are used for more formal or platonic relationships.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word for "dear" must change based on the gender of the person you are addressing. Use the masculine form chéri when addressing a man and the feminine form chérie when addressing a woman.
Did you know?
- French speakers often replace 'dear' with much stranger terms of endearment, such as mon chou meaning 'my cabbage' or ma puce meaning 'my flea'.
- The word chéri has unexpected roots in the Ottoman Empire and Arabic, tracing back to the word for 'law' or 'religious way' via the Turkish word şerʿ.
- In France, calling a stranger chéri in a shop or cafe can be perceived as overly familiar or condescending rather than polite.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, cher collègue. Comment ça va aujourd'hui?Hello, dear colleague. How are you today?
- Bonjour, chéri, tu as bien dormi ?Hello, dear, did you sleep well?
- Bonjour, chéri, je t'ai préparé un café.Hello, dear, I made you a coffee.
- Bonjour, chéri, comment s'est passée ta matinée ?Hello, dear, how was your morning?
Example conversation
Manon greets Gabriel as he enters the kitchen in the morning.
- ManonBonjour, chéri, tu es enfin réveillé.Hello, dear, you are finally awake.
- GabrielOui, bonjour Manon, j'ai encore un peu sommeil.Yes, hello Manon, I am still a little sleepy.
- ManonNe t'inquiète pas, le café est prêt.Don't worry, the coffee is ready.
- GabrielMerci, tu es adorable.Thanks, you are lovely.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bonjour, chéri, CC BY-SA 4.0.
