Beginner French · A1

French greetings: bonjour, bonsoir and salut

Say hello, say goodbye, and greet someone at any time of day.

I can say hello and goodbye.

Say hello by the clock

Bonjour works all day, from morning until early evening. Once it's getting dark, switch to bonsoir.

Salut is a casual hi for friends. Bon après-midi isn't a greeting: you say it as you leave, like "have a good afternoon".

Bonne nuit is only for bedtime. Bonne journée (have a good day) is for leaving in the daytime.

salut: For friends. With people you don't know, say bonjour.
bonjour: Works all day, from morning until early evening, so it's also how you say good afternoon.
bon après-midi: Said when you leave, not to greet. To greet, French uses bonjour all day.
bonsoir: Use it once it's getting dark. Good night (before bed) is bonne nuit.
bonne nuit: Only at bedtime. To greet someone in the evening, say bonsoir.
bonne journée: What you say as you leave someone during the day.

🏠 Outside Sam's building, 9 a.m.