Salut !
casual
To a girl you can say Salut ! if you know her and Bonjour ! if you do not. The greeting itself does not change with her gender. It is also called Coucou !
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Salut ! | casual |
| Bonjour ! | neutral |
| Coucou ! | very casual |
After the greeting, the question Ça va ? is natural. Use her name to make it personal.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a girl you do not know, a polite Bonjour, mademoiselle is understood, although mademoiselle is less used now. For an adult woman you do not know, Bonjour, madame is the safe choice.
Did you know?
- The pet-like greeting Coucou ! is said to imitate the cuckoo bird's call and is used for a light, friendly hello.
Examples in context
- Salut, Emma ! Ça va ?Hi, Emma! How are you?
- Bonjour, mademoiselle.Hello, miss.
- Coucou, ça fait longtemps !Hey, it has been a while!
Example conversation
Louis meets his classmate Emma on the first day back at school.
- LouisSalut, Emma !Hi, Emma!
- EmmaSalut, Louis. Tu as passé de bonnes vacances ?Hi, Louis. Did you have a good holiday?
- LouisOui, très bonnes. Et toi ?Yes, very good. And you?
- EmmaMoi aussi.Me too.
