Bonjour
standard
In French-speaking Switzerland you say Bonjour to greet someone politely, just like in France. Friends say Salut, and in Romandie you may also hear Adieu as a casual hello.
Meaning: greeting (interjection)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Bonjour | standard |
| Salut | casual |
| Adieu | Swiss French, casual |
Bonjour is right when entering a shop or meeting people. Swiss French speakers, like the French, expect a greeting first.
Which one should you use?
In France adieu is a final goodbye. In parts of Romandie it is used informally both to say hello and goodbye, so it does not sound dramatic.
Is it said differently in some regions?
French is spoken in western Switzerland (Romandie), in cantons like Vaud, Geneva and Neuchâtel. In German-speaking Switzerland the greeting is Grüezi.
Did you know?
- In Romandie, adieu is often shortened in friendly speech, while in standard French it keeps the meaning of "farewell for good".
Examples in context
- Bonjour, comment allez-vous?Hello, how are you?
- Salut, ça va?Hi, how are you?
- Adieu, comment ça va?Hey, how are you doing?
Example conversation
Yvan meets his neighbor Monique at the market in Lausanne.
- YvanBonjour, Monique!Hello, Monique!
- MoniqueBonjour, Yvan. Vous allez bien?Hello, Yvan. Are you well?
- YvanTrès bien, merci.Very well, thanks.
