Salut !
casual
To say "hi" to a girl in French use Salut ! It is the standard casual greeting and works with anyone you call tu. It is also called Hello ! and Coucou !
Meaning: casual greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Salut ! | casual |
| Hello ! | informal |
| Coucou ! | very casual |
Coucou ! is sweeter and more playful, and Hello ! borrowed from English is used by young people. Greeting a girl does not require a different form.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you do not know her well, start with Bonjour. Then switch to Salut when she does.
Did you know?
- Salut can be used for both greeting and leaving, which surprises many English speakers.
Examples in context
- Coucou, ça va ?Hey, how are you?
- Hello, tu es là ?Hello, are you there?
Example conversation
Adam sees his friend Camille in the school corridor.
- AdamSalut, Camille !Hi, Camille!
- CamilleSalut, Adam !Hi, Adam!
- AdamTu as cours maintenant ?Do you have class now?
- CamilleOui, maths.Yes, math.
