How to Say Hello in French

A friendly hello is the best way to start any conversation, especially if you’re talking to someone from another country. While it may be difficult to say hello in a foreign language at first, the effort will be appreciated by the locals who are often more than willing to help you out. Greetings are also important in any culture, so make sure you’re fluent in the appropriate greeting for your destination.

Whether you’re looking to impress your French-speaking co-workers or just want to add a little flair to your chats with friends, there are a few different ways to say hello in French. Some of these greetings are more formal while others are more casual, so choose which one suits the situation best.

Allo – Hello / Hey

Allo is an informal way to greet someone in French, and it’s generally used among close friends. It’s similar to how Americans say hello by saying “Hey,” but it’s usually accompanied with more gestures, such as giving someone a thumbs-up or patting them on the back. You can also use allo to greet strangers in a more casual setting, such as in a restaurant or at an event.

Bonjour – Hello / Good Morning

Bonjour is a traditional and more formal way to greet someone in French, and it’s typically used in formal settings. It’s also the common greeting used in written correspondence, such as letters or business emails. This formal greeting is followed by the person’s name, which will depend on the context of the letter or email.

Bienvenue – Welcome

Bienvenue is The french connection ep another more formal greeting that’s used in more formal settings. It’s a great way to greet someone when you meet them for the first time or visit their home or workplace. You can also use bienvenue to greet a group of people, such as in a classroom or an office meeting.

Coucou – Hello / Hi

Coucou is another informal way to say hello in French. It’s similar to how Americans say hi, but it’s more commonly used with friends and family members. You can even say coucou in a text message or online chat. It’s a fun way to show your enthusiasm for the French language, but you should only use it with people who know you well.

The 1974 film The French Connection starred Gene Hackman as NYPD Detective Jimmy ‘Popeye’ Doyle, who tracked down the head of an illegal drug operation in Paris. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won five, including Best Picture and Best Actor. It was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award and won the Writers Guild of America Award and the Edgar Award for Best Screenplay. The film was a milestone in American cinema, and it helped bridge the gap between classic Hollywood and grittier films of the 1970s. The French Connection also paved the way for future crime dramas like Goodfellas and the Colombo trilogy.