bonjour mesdames et messieurs
The English phrase "hello, ladies and gentlemen" is translated into French as bonjour mesdames et messieurs.
This phrase is a formal greeting used to address a group of people, typically at the very beginning of a speech or presentation to capture the audience's attention.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "good day, ladies and gentlemen".
Which one should you use?
A shorter version of this greeting, Mesdames, Messieurs, can also be used in speeches or presentations.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bonjour mesdames et messieurs is a highly formal greeting suitable for professional presentations, ceremonies or public speaking.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, it is common to hear the formal version Bonjour, Mesdames et Messieurs in formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the possessive adjective mes (my) is used as a standard way to address groups of people politely, whereas English uses no possessive in this phrase.
Did you know?
- If you use the phrase Bonjour mesdames et messieurs in a very high-society or diplomatic setting, it can sometimes sound slightly too 'common' or 'commercial', as the truly elite prefer the clipped Mesdames, Messieurs.
- While English speakers use 'ladies and gentlemen' to sound inclusive and polite, the French Mesdames, Messieurs follows a strict protocol where the feminine is almost always placed before the masculine.
- The word messieurs contains a root related to the English word 'master'. It comes from sieur, a contraction of the Old French seigneur, which means 'lord' or 'master'.
Examples in context
- Lors de la cérémonie d'ouverture, le conférencier a salué la foule avec un sourire chaleureux en disant "Bonjour, Mesdames et Messieurs."During the opening ceremony, the speaker greeted the crowd with a warm smile by saying "Hello, ladies and gentlemen."
- Le directeur a commencé son discours en adressant un salut amical en disant "Mesdames, Messieurs."The director began his speech by addressing a friendly greeting by saying "Ladies and gentlemen."
- Bonjour mesdames et messieurs, bienvenue à la conférence.Hello, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the conference.
- Bonjour mesdames et messieurs, je vais commencer la présentation.Hello, ladies and gentlemen, I am going to begin the presentation.
- Bonjour mesdames et messieurs, merci d'être venus ce soir.Hello, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming tonight.
Example conversation
Hugo is starting a presentation and Emma is assisting him.
- HugoBonjour mesdames et messieurs, nous allons commencer.Hello ladies and gentlemen, we are going to begin.
- EmmaJe vais maintenant présenter le premier document.I will now present the first document.
- HugoMerci beaucoup, Emma.Thank you very much, Emma.
- EmmaJe vous en prie, Hugo.You are welcome, Hugo.
