Meaning
To greet someone verbally.
Cultural Background
The 'Bonjour' is a sacred ritual. Entering a shop without saying it is often met with cold service or even a pointed 'Bonjour !' from the shopkeeper to remind you of your manners. In Montreal, you will often hear 'Bonjour-Hi!', a bilingual greeting that reflects the city's dual linguistic identity. Greetings are even more extended. 'Dire bonjour' is just the start; you must also ask about the person's family, health, and work. In some parts of Switzerland, 'dire bonjour' might be replaced by 'bon matin' in the early hours, though 'bonjour' remains the standard.
The Shop Rule
Always say 'Bonjour' the moment you step into a small shop. It's the most important rule of French travel.
Don't over-greet
If you see the same person twice, don't say 'Bonjour' again. Use 'Re-bonjour' or just a smile.
Meaning
To greet someone verbally.
The Shop Rule
Always say 'Bonjour' the moment you step into a small shop. It's the most important rule of French travel.
Don't over-greet
If you see the same person twice, don't say 'Bonjour' again. Use 'Re-bonjour' or just a smile.
Eye Contact
When you 'dire bonjour', try to make brief eye contact. It makes the greeting feel sincere.
The 'À' Rule
Always remember: Dire bonjour À quelqu'un. Never forget the 'à'!
Test Yourself
Conjugate the verb 'dire' in the present tense.
Chaque matin, je ___ bonjour à ma voisine.
The subject is 'je', so the correct form of 'dire' is 'dis'.
Choose the correct preposition.
Il faut dire bonjour ___ boulanger.
We say 'dire bonjour à quelqu'un'. Since 'boulanger' is masculine, 'à + le' becomes 'au'.
Match the phrase to the time of day.
Il est 22h00. Que dois-tu dire ?
At 10 PM, 'bonsoir' is the correct greeting. 'Bonne nuit' is only for when someone is going to sleep.
Complete the social request.
Maman : 'Tu pars chez Paul ? ___ bonjour de ma part !'
You are talking to Paul (singular), so use 'lui'. The imperative for 'tu' is 'dis'.
Match the register to the phrase.
Match these:
These are the correct pairings of register and greeting style.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Bonjour vs. Bonsoir
Practice Bank
5 exercisesChaque matin, je ___ bonjour à ma voisine.
The subject is 'je', so the correct form of 'dire' is 'dis'.
Il faut dire bonjour ___ boulanger.
We say 'dire bonjour à quelqu'un'. Since 'boulanger' is masculine, 'à + le' becomes 'au'.
Il est 22h00. Que dois-tu dire ?
At 10 PM, 'bonsoir' is the correct greeting. 'Bonne nuit' is only for when someone is going to sleep.
Maman : 'Tu pars chez Paul ? ___ bonjour de ma part !'
You are talking to Paul (singular), so use 'lui'. The imperative for 'tu' is 'dis'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the correct pairings of register and greeting style.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in the moment of greeting, you just say 'Bonjour!'. 'Dire bonjour' is the phrase we use to describe that action.
Usually around 6:00 PM or when it starts to get dark. If you're unsure, listen to what locals are saying!
It is neutral. It is polite enough for a boss but natural enough for a friend.
It's the physical act of kissing cheeks that often accompanies 'dire bonjour' among friends and family.
No, 'hello' is not a French word. Use 'Bonjour' or 'Salut'.
Use 'Dis bonjour à ta sœur de ma part'.
In a big city like Paris, no. In a small village, yes, it's very common.
Apologize quickly! 'Oh, pardon, bonjour !' It will fix the social tension immediately.
The words are the same, but men often shake hands while women (and men with women) might do 'la bise'.
Not rude, but very informal. Don't use it with your doctor, your boss, or a shopkeeper you don't know.
Related Phrases
Dire bonsoir
similarTo say good evening
Dire au revoir
contrastTo say goodbye
Saluer
synonymTo greet
Passer le bonjour
specialized formTo pass on greetings
Se dire bonjour
builds onTo greet each other
