When someone says 'bonsoir' (pronounced: bohn-SWAHR), you can simply reply 'bonsoir' as well. Notice that this is the equivalent of 'good evening.
What is the proper response to bonjour? It's more than sufficient to simply say bonjour back in response to those who greet you, but if you want to go a step beyond, you can respond with comment allez-vous, which is the French equivalent of asking how it's going.
As the end of the day approaches, switch from saying bonjour and start saying Bonsoir. There is no exact time to switch from bonjour to Bonsoir but it is usually between 5 pm and 6 pm that the use of Bonsoir becomes acceptable. One major difference is that Bonsoir can be used to say goodbye, whereas bonjour never is.
Once you reach the end of the afternoon around 6 p.m., you stop saying bonjour and you start to say bonsoir, which means “good evening.” Unlike bonjour, you can use bonsoir when saying goodbye where it would translate more to “goodnight” instead of “hello.” If it's so late in the night that whoever you're saying ...
How do you reply to Buongiorno? As a general rule, when someone addresses you, you should respond with the greeting they have chosen. If they say "Buongiorno," respond similarly, and if they say "Ciao," do the same.
After you greet someone in French with bonjour or salut and you both make your introductions, you can say enchanté(e), which means “pleased to meet you”. The literal translation of this word is “delighted” or “enchanted”, you're saying that you're delighted to meet this person.
In France, saying bonjour in French is a sign of respect and a cultural norm. It's not optional to forgo the greeting if you want people to know that you understand French manners.
If you are in doubt, stick with bonjour, which—as noted—is always an acceptable form of greeting. You can also use salut to say goodbye in an informal setting among close friends, but there are better ways to say goodbye in French.
Originating in the 15th century, bonsoir comes from the latin “bonus serus”, meaning “good” and “later” so means not only saying goodbye to someone, but also wishing them a good evening.
Most of you know the formal expression “bonjour”, and you should since it's the most common way to greet someone in French. We use it to greet people in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening. “Bonjour” is always polite, and works in any situation.
Interjection. bonne soirée. Have a good evening (a phrase uttered upon a farewell)
BONSOIR means GOOD EVENING. BONNE SOIRÉE means HAVE A NICE EVENING. Do you notice the difference? The first one is a way of saying hello.
As with English, French people tend to reply to Ça va? with a positive response – Bien, or Bien, merci – much the same way as we would use fine in English. The following responses are polite enough for a new acquaintance, but general enough for a good friend, too: Très bien, merci. Very well, thank you.
With a verbal greeting you should say "Bonjour" (Hello) + their title or first name if you are friends. The French etiquette for saying goodbye is pretty much the same. Merci Monsieur, Madame etc.
1) “Mon ami” is just a cliché
It's kind of like saying Bonjour with a really heavy accent. Sure, it shows that the character is French, but it's not something you'd actually hear in France. Using “Mon ami” alone as “Hello my friend” will make you sound like you only know French clichés – and you deserve better!
Say "Bonjour" until the end of the afternoon and "bonsoir" once the evening starts. Bonjour is a greeting and only a greeting at the difference of "bonsoir" that can be used to say good bye in the evening and evening ONLY.
Wondering how to say Cheers in French? You can say “Santé” which translates to “to your health”. A more polite way is to say “À votre santé!”, which is another common way to say cheers in French.
Ça va is an informal expression that can be literally translated to “is it going” (third-person singular of the indicative verb “to go”). It should mainly be used in informal conversations.
Salut is not a way that you would greet strangers either, while it is used in informal settings, it is mainly said to people you know. This can include any acquaintances, though, not just friends and family.
It is rude to sit with one's legs spread apart unless in a relaxed context. Rather, sit straight with your legs crossed at the knee or knees together. Feet should not be placed on tables or chairs. If someone is invited to a restaurant or a business function, it is acceptable to arrive at the specific time.
Prepare to feel ignored, uncared for, and possibly even a little insulted. ” Not only will you wait for everything from a table to a water refill but service can feel rude at times. It's mostly a cultural difference, but don't expect to be coddled like in an American restaurant.