bonjour mademoiselle
The English phrase "hello miss" is translated into French as bonjour mademoiselle.
bonjour mademoiselle is a polite greeting used to address a young woman or a woman who is perceived to be unmarried.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of bonjour (good day) and mademoiselle (miss).
Which one should you use?
While mademoiselle is used for young women, bonjour madame is the standard polite form used for adult women or married women.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often over-use mademoiselle in France. In modern administrative and formal usage, madame is increasingly favored regardless of marital status to avoid making assumptions.
When do people say it?
When you are introduced to someone for the first time in a formal setting, you might say Enchanté(e), mademoiselle. (Pleased to meet you, miss).
Did you know?
- In 2012, the French government officially banned the use of mademoiselle on all government forms. This change was made to ensure that women are not categorized by their marital status in official records.
- The word bonjour is so essential that failing to say it when entering a small shop in France can be viewed as a serious lack of manners, almost like an insult.
- The word mademoiselle is a contraction of the words ma and demoiselle, which literally means 'my young lady'.
Examples in context
- Bonjour Mademoiselle !Hello Miss!This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase bonjour mademoiselle.Tatoeba #482477 by sacredceltic, translation #1778760 by belgavox
- Bonjour mademoiselle, comment allez-vous ?Hello miss, how are you?
- Bonjour mademoiselle, vous avez rendez-vous ?Hello miss, do you have an appointment?
Example conversation
Gabriel enters a bakery and greets the young employee.
- ChloéBonjour mademoiselle !Hello miss!
- GabrielBonjour ! Qu'est-ce que vous voulez ?Hello! What would you like?
- ChloéUn croissant, s'il vous plaît.A croissant, please.
- GabrielVoilà pour vous. Merci !Here it is. Thank you!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bonjour, mademoiselle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
