bonjour mesdames
In French, hello ladies is translated as bonjour mesdames.
bonjour mesdames is a common and neutral way to address a group of women.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bon (good), jour (day) and mesdames (ladies), literally meaning "good day ladies".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bonjour mesdames is a formal and polite way to greet a group of women. While bonjour itself can be used informally, pairing it with mesdames maintains a respectful and formal tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word mesdames is the plural form of madame.
Did you know?
- While 'bonjour' is used for 'hello', if you use the phrase after sunset, you must switch to 'bonsoir mesdames'.
- The word dame is used in the expression la dame de pique to refer to the Queen of Spades in a deck of cards.
- The term 'jour' in 'bonjour' is the same word found in 'journal', which originally meant a daily record or a day's work.
Examples in context
- Bonjour Mesdames !Hello, ladies.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use bonjour mesdames as a greeting.Tatoeba #5050012 by sacredceltic, translation #2561581 by Hybrid
- Salut les filles, ça fait longtemps!Hi girls, it's been a while!
- Bonjour mesdames, comment allez-vous ?Hello ladies, how are you?
- Bonjour mesdames, bienvenue à la fête.Hello ladies, welcome to the party.
Example conversation
Hugo enters a boutique where two women are waiting.
- HugoBonjour mesdames, je peux vous aider ?Hello ladies, can I help you?
- LéaOui, nous cherchons une robe rouge.Yes, we are looking for a red dress.
- HugoJe vous montre nos modèles tout de suite.I will show you our models right away.
- LéaMerci beaucoup, c'est très gentil.Thank you very much, that is very kind.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
