bonjour, madame
The English phrase "hello, madame" is translated into French as bonjour, madame.
bonjour, madame is a common formal way to say hello and translates to "good day, madame". To add an extra touch of formality, you can use the woman's last name after the title, such as Bonjour, Madame [Last Name].
What does it mean word for word?
The word bonjour is a combination of bon (good) and jour (day).
Which one should you use?
While bonjour, madame is used to greet a woman during the day, you should use bonsoir, madame to say "good evening, madame" if the greeting occurs in the evening.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term madame serves as a title of respect for an adult woman and can be used on its own without a name following it.
Did you know?
- In many French regions, if you fail to say bonjour, madame when entering a small shop, the staff may consider it a significant social snub rather than just a missed greeting.
- Because madame literally means 'my lady', using it to greet a stranger is a way of treating them with the high status once reserved for nobility.
- If you use madame to greet a young woman, it might be taken as a subtle joke or an indication that you think she looks much older than she is.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, Madame. Comment ça va aujourd'hui?Hello, madame. How are you doing today?
- Bonjour, madame, comment allez-vous ?Hello, madame, how are you?
- Bonjour, madame, je voudrais un café.Hello, madame, I would like a coffee.
- Bonjour, madame, vous avez un bel appartement.Hello, madame, you have a beautiful apartment.
Example conversation
Hugo enters a small bakery and greets the owner.
- LéaBonjour, madame, je voudrais un croissant.Hello, madame, I would like a croissant.
- HugoBonjour, monsieur, voici votre croissant.Hello, sir, here is your croissant.
- LéaMerci beaucoup, madame.Thank you very much, madame.
- HugoBonne journée !Have a nice day!
