bonjour les élèves
The English phrase "hello students" is translated into French as bonjour les élèves.
This phrase is a greeting used by a teacher to address a group of students.
Which one should you use?
While bonjour les élèves is standard for a classroom setting, bonjour les étudiants would specifically refer to university-level students.
When do people say it?
Students can reply to Bonjour, les étudiants with Bonjour, monsieur/madame.
Did you know?
- While élève refers to students in primary and secondary school, the word actually comes from the Latin word for 'raised' or 'elevated', referring to the child being lifted up in knowledge.
- In very traditional French settings, a teacher might address the class as mes enfants rather than les élèves to signal a protective or parental role.
- In French, the word élève is used for pupils, but it is also the standard term for a 'student' in specialized schools like the École Polytechnique regardless of the student's age.
Examples in context
- Bonjour les élèves, asseyez-vous.Hello students, please sit down.
- Bonjour les élèves, sortez vos cahiers.Hello students, take out your notebooks.
- Bonjour les élèves, tout le monde est prêt ?Hello students, is everyone ready?
Example conversation
A teacher enters the classroom in the morning.
- ManonBonjour les élèves, comment allez-vous ?Hello students, how are you doing?
- HugoBonjour madame, nous allons bien.Hello teacher, we are doing well.
- ManonC'est bien, Hugo. Ouvrez vos livres.That is good, Hugo. Open your books.
- HugoD'accord, je les ouvre tout de suite.Okay, I am opening them right now.
