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Greetings & Introductions in French
French greetings have their own charm and formality. These 25 essential phrases will have you saying bonjour and making introductions like a native — with audio.
Practice in the LingoSwipe App →Each phrase includes native audio, an English translation, and cultural notes where relevant. Tap any play button to listen.
👋 Salutations de Base — Basic Greetings
1.
Salut !
Hi! (casual)
Casual only. Never use with elders or in formal settings.
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2.
Bonjour !
Good morning / Hello!
Always say 'bonjour' when entering a shop or meeting someone — it's a social must.
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3.
Bonsoir !
Good evening!
Replaces 'bonjour' from around 6–7 pm.
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4.
Bonne nuit.
Good night.
Only used as a farewell before bed, never as a greeting.
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5.
Comment allez-vous ?
How are you? (formal)
Formal. The casual version is 'Comment ça va ?' or just 'Ça va ?'
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🙋 Se Présenter — Introductions
6.
Je m'appelle Marie.
My name is Marie.
More natural than 'Mon nom est...' in everyday speech.
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7.
Comment vous appelez-vous ?
What is your name? (formal)
Formal. The casual version is 'Comment tu t'appelles ?'
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8.
Enchanté(e).
Nice to meet you.
Men write 'enchanté', women write 'enchantée' — same pronunciation.
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9.
Je suis de France.
I'm from France.
Country names differ in French: England = Angleterre, Germany = Allemagne.
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10.
Je parle un peu français.
I speak a little French.
French speakers greatly appreciate any attempt to speak French.
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👋 Les Au Revoirs — Farewells
11.
Au revoir !
Goodbye!
Standard in all contexts — formal and informal.
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12.
À plus tard !
See you later!
Often shortened to 'À plus !' in casual speech.
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13.
À demain !
See you tomorrow!
Works as a pattern: 'à lundi' (Monday), 'à ce soir' (tonight).
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14.
Bonne journée !
Have a great day!
Evening: 'Bonne soirée !' Weekend: 'Bon week-end !'
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15.
Prenez soin de vous !
Take care!
Casual version: 'Prends soin de toi !'
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🤝 Formules de Politesse — Courtesy Phrases
16.
S'il vous plaît.
Please. (formal)
Casual: 'S'il te plaît.' Abbreviated as 'SVP' in writing.
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17.
Merci !
Thank you!
Strengthen with 'Merci beaucoup' or 'Merci mille fois' (a thousand thanks).
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18.
De rien.
You're welcome.
Formal alternative: 'Je vous en prie.' Also: 'Avec plaisir' (with pleasure).
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19.
Je suis désolé(e).
I'm sorry.
Women write 'désolée.' For minor issues use 'Pardon' or 'Excusez-moi.'
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20.
Excusez-moi.
Excuse me.
'Pardon !' is a shorter, more casual alternative.
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💬 Aide avec la Langue — Language Help
21.
Oui.
Yes.
Informal: 'Ouais' (yeah). 'Si' contradicts a negative — 'Tu ne viens pas?' 'Si !'
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22.
Non.
No.
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23.
Je ne comprends pas.
I don't understand.
In casual speech: 'Je comprends pas' (the 'ne' is dropped).
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24.
Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement, s'il vous plaît ?
Can you speak more slowly, please?
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25.
Parlez-vous anglais ?
Do you speak English?
Always try French first — even attempting a 'bonjour' is greatly appreciated.
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