bonjour maman
The English phrase "hello mother" is translated into French as bonjour maman.
bonjour maman is the standard, natural way for a child or an adult child to greet their mother in a casual setting.
Which one should you use?
bonjour maman is an informal way to say "hello mother" because it uses the affectionate term maman instead of the more formal term mère.
Did you know?
- While an English speaker might say 'Hello Mother', using the more formal Bonjour mère in French can actually sound cold or emotionally distant.
- In some traditional French households, a child might kiss their maman on both cheeks, known as 'la bise', as a physical accompaniment to saying bonjour.
- The word jour in bonjour shares a root with the English word 'journal', both relating to the passage of days.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, Maman. Comment ça va aujourd'hui?Hello, Mom. How are you today?
- Bonsoir, Maman. Tu passes une bonne journée?Good evening, Mom. Are you having a good day?
- Coucou, Maman! Tu veux aller boire un café?Hey, Mom! Do you want to go grab a coffee?
- Salut, Maman! On se retrouve ce soir pour le dîner?Hi, Mom! Shall we meet tonight for dinner?
- Bonjour maman, tu vas bien ?Hello mother, are you doing well?
Example conversation
Nathan walks into the living room to greet his mother.
- NathanBonjour maman !Hello mother!
- EmmaBonjour Nathan, mon chéri.Hello Nathan, my darling.
- NathanTu as passé une bonne journée ?Did you have a good day?
- EmmaOui, c'était très calme.Yes, it was very calm.
