Bonjour monsieur
The English phrase "hello to a man" is translated into French as Bonjour monsieur.
Bonjour monsieur is used to say "hello sir" or "good day, sir". It is the most common and universal way to greet a man in a formal setting. In a formal situation where you are meeting someone for the first time, you might also use the more elaborate phrase Enchanté de faire votre connaissance, Monsieur to mean "Pleased to make your acquaintance". You can also combine the greeting with a name, such as Bonjour, Monsieur Dupont.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bon (good), jour (day) and monsieur (sir/mister).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Bonjour monsieur is a formal greeting. If you know the person well, you should use the informal Salut, which means "hi" or "hey". For a very casual interaction, you might hear Salut, mec in France.
When do people say it?
It is standard etiquette in France to include a title like monsieur when greeting a stranger or a professional.
Did you know?
- While monsieur is now a general title, it is a linguistic contraction of the words mon meaning 'my' and sieur meaning 'lord'.
- In French culture, simply saying bonjour to a waiter or shopkeeper without adding monsieur can be interpreted as a genuine lack of politeness.
- In a highly formal context, a man might respond to his name being called by simply saying monsieur to mean 'Yes, I am here'.
Examples in context
- Bonjour monsieur.Hello, sir.
- Bonjour monsieur, comment allez-vous ?Hello sir, how are you?
- Bonjour monsieur, je cherche la gare.Hello sir, I am looking for the station.
Example conversation
Léa enters a small bakery and greets the baker.
- LéaBonjour monsieur !Hello sir!
- LucasBonjour ! Vous désirez ?Hello! What would you like?
- LéaUne baguette, s'il vous plaît.A baguette, please.
- LucasTrès bien, voilà.Very well, here it is.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bonjour, bonjour, monsieur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
