Bonsoir
standard
In the evening the French greeting is Bonsoir. It means "good evening" and is used both for arriving and for meeting people after dark. It is also called Salut and Bonne soirée.
Meaning: evening greeting (interjection)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Bonsoir | standard |
| Salut | casual |
| Bonne soirée | wish when leaving |
Say Bonsoir when you enter a restaurant at night or answer the phone after work hours.
Which one should you use?
Bonne soirée is not a hello. It is a wish when parting, meaning "have a good evening".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Bonsoir is polite with everyone, while Salut is for friends.
How do you pronounce it?
Bonsoir sounds like "bon-SWAHR".
Did you know?
- The word soir comes from Latin sero, meaning "late".
Examples in context
- Bonsoir, une table pour deux, s'il vous plaît.Good evening, a table for two, please.
- Bonsoir, tout le monde!Good evening, everyone!
- Merci, bonne soirée!Thank you, have a nice evening!
Example conversation
Sarah and her husband arrive at a restaurant in Lille at eight in the evening.
- SarahBonsoir, nous avons réservé une table.Good evening, we have reserved a table.
- ServeurBonsoir, madame. À quel nom?Good evening, madam. Under what name?
- SarahAu nom de Martin.Under the name Martin.
