Meaning
A standard greeting used in the evening.
Cultural Background
Greeting shopkeepers is mandatory. Failure to do so is seen as very rude. Similar usage, but 'Bonsoir' can sometimes be used more casually. Very formal and polite usage is common. Very precise about time-based greetings.
The 5 PM Rule
A good rule of thumb is to switch from 'Bonjour' to 'Bonsoir' around 5 or 6 PM, or whenever it starts getting dark.
Don't Forget!
Always greet staff in shops. It is the most important rule of French politeness.
Meaning
A standard greeting used in the evening.
The 5 PM Rule
A good rule of thumb is to switch from 'Bonjour' to 'Bonsoir' around 5 or 6 PM, or whenever it starts getting dark.
Don't Forget!
Always greet staff in shops. It is the most important rule of French politeness.
Test Yourself
Complete the greeting.
Il est 20h, vous entrez dans un restaurant. Vous dites : '______ !'
It is evening, so 'Bonsoir' is the correct greeting.
Select the correct phrase for the context.
You are leaving a shop at 9 PM. What do you say?
You are leaving, so you use the farewell phrase.
Match the situation to the greeting.
Meeting a friend at 7 PM.
7 PM is evening, so Bonsoir is appropriate.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Greeting Timeline
Day
- • Bonjour
Evening
- • Bonsoir
Practice Bank
3 exercisesIl est 20h, vous entrez dans un restaurant. Vous dites : '______ !'
It is evening, so 'Bonsoir' is the correct greeting.
You are leaving a shop at 9 PM. What do you say?
You are leaving, so you use the farewell phrase.
Meeting a friend at 7 PM.
7 PM is evening, so Bonsoir is appropriate.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsIt is better to use Bonjour. Bonsoir is for the evening.
It is neutral and polite. It works in almost all situations.
Related Phrases
Bonne soirée
contrastHave a good evening
Bonjour
contrastGood day
Bonne nuit
similarGood night
Salut
similarHi/Bye
