Salut
informal, any time
At night you can still say Salut to friends, because it fits any time of day. With people you do not know well, switch to Bonsoir.
Meaning: informal greeting (interjection)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Salut | informal, any time |
| bonsoir | polite, evening |
Salut is casual and works for "hi" and "bye". Bonsoir is polite and is used from the late afternoon on.
How do you pronounce it?
Salut sounds like "sa-LU" with the French u. Bonsoir sounds like "bon-SWAR".
Did you know?
- French speakers may also write coucou as a very casual hello at any hour, especially in messages.
Examples in context
- Salut, ça va?Hi, how are you?
- Bonsoir, madame.Good evening, madam.
- Salut, vous deux!Hi, you two!
Example conversation
Lucas arrives late at his friend Camille's apartment in Lille.
- LucasSalut, Camille!Hi, Camille!
- CamilleSalut, entre!Hi, come in!
- LucasDésolé pour l'heure.Sorry about the time.
