Tired of constantly using "Au revoir" ("Goodbye")? Do you know many ways to say hello in French and just one expression to say goodbye?
If you want to know how to say goodbye in French without saying "Au revoir", you've come to the right place.
Today we will look at 10 French farewells. Let's start with the most formal version and end with the one that is “easiest” in meaning and familiar in use.
- Adieu (Farewell)
Adieu used infrequently. This is the most formal version, and it always has a connotation of dryness, finality and formality, similar to the Russian “farewell”. It can be safely used in a situation where you do not plan to see your interlocutor again, or when one of you is on his deathbed.
- Bonne journée/Bonne soirée (Have a nice day/Have a nice evening)
Both of these expressions are quite formal, and their formality can be enhanced by adding after them the polite address Monsieur, Madame or Mademoiselle. You can also add “au revoir”. In this case, the phrase will not have the connotation of a final farewell, but will be perceived as a polite wish for well-being.
- A plus tard (See you soon)
Full form of expression à plus tard sounds quite formal. Please note that in this case the “s” is at the end of the word plus is not pronounced, unlike the more casual and colloquial abbreviated version of this expression - à plus.
- À bientôt/À tout à l’heure (See you soon. See you soon)
These two expressions are very similar. However, à tout à l'heure implies that you and your interlocutor will see each other again at some point today, while a bientôt may mean that you will see each other within a week or in the coming days.
- À demain (See you tomorrow)
This expression is perfect if you work or go to school with your interlocutor and see each other regularly and every day.
- À la prochaine (See you again)
If au revoir implies future meeting(literally meaning "until we meet again"), then à la prochaine implies that you plan to see your interlocutor in the near future. If you don't want to see a person anymore, better avoid this expression!
- Salut! (Bye!)
In whatever meaning this word is used - as a greeting or as a farewell, it is an invariable element informal speech and the most common phrase among those who communicate with each other on first-name terms.
- Ciao! (Bye!)
Surely you are thinking: “How can you use “Ciao” in French, it’s Italian!” This is true, but the enterprising French have never been against borrowing an expression or two from other languages. This is why there is so much in French English loanwords. "Ciao" is a wonderful way to say goodbye to friends, no matter what language you speak.
- Je m'en vais (Well, I'm off)
If a party with friends is running late, and you still need to get home and finish unfinished business, then this expression is a great way to say goodbye and leave the party without offending anyone.
- Je me casse/Je me tire (I'm getting out)
These two expressions mean approximately the same thing, and it is better not to use them in polite society, because they can be best case scenario perceived as bad manners, and at worst - as an insult. Therefore, use them wisely and only among close friends.
The traditional culture of communication in France is characterized by a certain originality, differing markedly from the culture of dialogue in a number of other countries. This is especially expressed in greetings. This item speech etiquette marked by the presence of a certain marking, since the greeting is acceptable in one social environment may be unacceptable in another. In addition, the choice of specific wording may be dictated by the situation.
The use of any specific greeting schemes in each language (in in this case- in French) depends on who, where and when is talking. When choosing an appropriate form of communication, the type of relationship between two or more interlocutors is usually taken into account. When using words and expressions of greeting in a dialogue, one should not forget that the situation of greeting, as an element of speech etiquette, is intended to express goodwill and politeness towards the interlocutor.
In French speech act greetings involves the use following formula: Pardon! (appealative to attract attention)+Bonjour/Bonsoir, (the greeting itself)+Monsieur/Madame/Mademoiselle/ma belle...! (appellative to enhance politeness)+….
However, the most commonly used components of this formula are the neutral type, which (as in many other languages) are formal or informal in nature. The French express a universal informal greeting with the word “Salut!” (which means Hello!).
This lexeme is used exclusively when communicating with relatives and close friends. Saying “Hello!” to a stranger or a person who is older in age is not accepted among the French. But such a lexical unit as Bonjour! (translation: Good afternoon! or Hello(those)!) - a more formal, and at the same time more common means of expressing greetings.
It is noteworthy that there are strictly defined time frames in greetings. Linguists identify greeting patterns that contain instructions for the appropriate time of day. So, if in Russian, for example, we can specify the time of day in a greeting, equally using such forms of greeting as Good morning! or Good afternoon! or Good evening! and even good night! That French offers only two basic formulas: Bonjour! (Good afternoon - morning!) and Bonsoir! (translation: Good evening!).
Of course, there is also the Bon matin model! (translation: Good morning!), but usually only theoretically. In live communication, so to speak in practice, this scheme It is considered outdated and is almost never used.
To continue communication, the French (like other peoples) use certain phrases and expressions more often than the standard type. Their choice depends on the specific situation that arises in the process of communication. Below is a table of standard phrases used in French to continue and maintain a conversation in a greeting situation.
| Puis-je savoir votre nom? | May I know what your name is? |
| je m'appelle... | My name is… |
| enchanté de faire votre connaissance!… | Nice to meet you… |
| je ne vous ai pas vu longtemps… | I haven't seen you... |
| je suis heureux de vous voir… | glad to see you… |
| je suis content de vous revoir | glad to see you again |
| comment-allez-vous? | How are you doing? |
| quoi de neuf? | what news? |
| voulez vous boir quelque chose?… | Would you mind getting something to drink?... |
| merci, avec plaisir | thanks, with pleasure |
| attendez une minute s’il vous plaît… | wait a minute please... |
| Rencontrons-nous (au hall) | I would like to meet you in the lobby) |
| je suis marie (e) | I'm married |
| Je suis celibataire | I'm single (not married) |
| permettez-moi de me presenter… | let me introduce myself… |
| permettez-moi de vous présenter à mon mari… | let me introduce you to my husband... |
| qu’est-ce que çela veut dire?… | what does it mean?… |
| voila ma carte de visite… | This is my business card… |
| soyez comme chez vous… | Make yourself at home… |
| pardonnez-moi de vous avoir dérangé… | sorry for disturbing you… |
| c'est très gentil de votre part… | this is very kind of you... |
| j'ai beaucoup entendu parler de vous… | I've heard a lot about you... |
Greetings in correspondence
It should be noted that greeting patterns are the same in both French colloquial and writing. In this regard, a letter of any nature - formal, informal, business, official and personal - always begins with clichés or template phrases. The so-called standard formules d’appel are the first to be introduced into the text of a letter to greet a partner, comrade, or pen pal.
Any letter traditionally begins with a polite address to the addressee - Mademoiselle/Monsieur/Madame. When corresponding with people you know well, additional speech elements are acceptable that make the address less formal: Cher(Chère) Monsieur/Madame/Mademoiselle! (translation: dear...!). Using initials or surnames after greeting statements is considered incorrect, that is, write - Chère Mademoiselle Djuval! – will be wrong.
When correspondence is conducted with unfamiliar persons, representatives various organizations and services, administration, letters begin with traditional appeals Monsieur/Madame or more formal speech forms Messieurs/Mesdames.
If necessary, mention of the position or profession of the communicant is also allowed in the greetings. For example: docteur (doctor) - Monsieur le Docteur, maître (notary, lawyer) - Monsieur le Maitre, Monsieur le Minister,... (Mr. Minister,...), Madame le Juge (Madam Judge,...), Monsieur le Mair (Mr. Mayor ...), Monsieur(Madame) et cher Maître (Dearly respected ... - famous writer and artist).
Be polite and express yourself correctly, then communication will be foreign language It will help you expand your circle of friends and it will only be a joy!
Where does the conversation begin? Traditionally - with greetings! In this lesson you will learn some phrases that will help you say hello and goodbye. You will also learn to name other people.
Say hello in French
So, standard phrase greetings for the French - "Bonjour!"[bɔ̃zhur], which, depending on the time of day, can mean both “good afternoon” and “good morning”.
If you need to greet someone in the evening, use the expression "Bonsoir!"[bɔ̃suar].
These phrases can be used in relation to any person, however, if the atmosphere of your meeting is informal, then you can safely say "Salut!"[Salyu], which means “Hello!”
We say goodbye correctly
To end a conversation and say goodbye, you don’t need to come up with anything new - there are already certain clichés in the language. When breaking up, the following phrases will help you:
Au revoir![about revoir] - Goodbye!
If you are saying goodbye to a friend, or in any other informal situation, you can use phrases such as:
À bientôt![and beats] - See you soon!
À demain![a demyo] - See you tomorrow!
À tout a l'heure![a tu ta ler] - See you soon!
À plus tard![a plu tar] - See you later!
Turnover C'EST
The phrase c’est is usually used to indicate an object or person, and literally translates as “it is.” The element c’ is an abbreviation of the pronoun ce (this), in which the vowel sound denoted by the letter e has been dropped. You encountered this phenomenon in the previous lesson. The est element is the 3rd person form singular the verb être (to be), which is also familiar to you from the material already covered. Do not forget that this verb is not translated into Russian. For example:
C'est Jeanne.[se jean]. - This is Zhanna.
C'est Pierre.[se pierre] - This is Pierre.
C'est Madame Martin.[se Madame Martɛ̃] - This is Madame Martin.
Interestingly, the French do not have patronymics, but they have special addresses for a woman or a man.
In an official setting, when addressing a stranger or an older person, it is better to use formulas such as "Monsieur + Surname" when addressing a man, "Madame + Last Name"- to a woman, and "Mademoiselle + Surname", if your interlocutor is a young unmarried girl.
If the surnames are not familiar to you, only one address is used, for example: Bonjour, Madame [bɔ̃zhur madame]. - Hello madam.
In written speech, these addresses are usually abbreviated:
C'est Mademoiselle Bernard.[sie Mademoiselle Bernard]. - This is Mademoiselle Bernard. — C'est Mlle Bernard.
C'est Monsieur Dubois.[say Monsieur Dubois]. - This is Mister (Monsieur) Dubois. — C'est M. Dubois
C'est Madame Martin.[se madam martɛ̃]. - This is Madame Martin. — C'est Mme Martin.
Lesson assignments
Exercise 1. Translate into French.
1. Hello Pierre!
2. This is Mr. Bernard.
3. See you soon, Zhanna.
4. This is Mademoiselle Martin.
5. Goodbye, Madame Dubois.
6. See you tomorrow, monsieur.
Answer 1.
1. Salut, Pierre!
2. C'est Monsieur Bernard.
Something we are all about English, yes about English. It's time for you, French lovers. Let's imagine that you need to carry on a light conversation, say hello, ask how you are and ask a couple of questions. It will be useful on language exchange sites, forums and in a store, cafe, hotel when you are on a trip.
To learn how to pronounce the following phrases correctly, and also to practice real dialogue with a native speaker or professional teacher French, order and go trial lesson on the ITALKI website .
Word Bonjour! Even those who haven’t studied French know it. It means: Hello! / Good afternoon! / Good morning! This is the most popular greeting expression and can be used in any situation, regardless of how familiar you are with the person. Such a versatile option.
If you don't know how to say hello in French on a specific occasion, choose this word. In a conversation with a waiter in a cafe, with a salesperson in a store, or with a colleague. Well, in the evening or at night we replace it with Bonsoir!
Salut! means Hello! or bye! This word is suitable to greet acquaintances, close friends, colleagues and other people with whom you see often. Or vice versa, say goodbye to them. But the word is not suitable for an official setting or business meeting.
According to the rules of reading in French t at the end of the word is not pronounced.
Quoi de neuf? - a phrase for greeting friends with whom you have not spoken for a while. English equivalent What's up?, and in Russian What's new?
Politely ask how the other person is doing. And now, consider yourself having a little conversation. To ask this in French, use the phrases below.
Comment ça va? - a universal phrase, you can address both new acquaintances and close friends.
Comment vas-tu? - informal address for friends and loved ones.
Comment allez-vous? - formal address for an official setting and unfamiliar people.
The French love to greet each other. They will greet you and wish you well ten times throughout the day and even during a fleeting meeting. Support this tradition and become known among native speakers!
If you are asked how you are, prepare the following phrases for your answer depending on your mood.
If all is good: Ça va. / Tout va bien. / Je vais (très) bien.
Other options: Je ne vais pas très bien. - I'm not doing very well. / Je vais comme-ci comme-ça. - So so. / Pas mal. - Not bad.
After answering, ask how your interlocutor is doing. For a friendly and informal conversation: Et toi? For a formal setting: Et vous?
To introduce yourself to your interlocutor, say: Je m'appelle... - Hello, my name is.... Ask the name of the interlocutor: Comment tu t'appelles? (if in “you”), Comment vous appelez-vous? (if it's "you"). If you're glad to meet you, say: Enchanté (another letter e will be added to the letter if the phrase is spoken by a woman - enchantée ).
The nuances of greetings differ depending on the city. For example, another traditional greeting that you have probably seen in French TV series is a kiss on the cheek. It is mainly common among young people. In Paris it's two kisses, and in some cities in France it's two or three. When you meet someone for the first time, just shaking their hand is enough.
How to apologize in French if necessary? When addressing a person using “you”: Pardonnez-moi! When with your interlocutor on a first-name basis: Excuse-moi!
Surprisingly, the following 3 expressions are used as a farewell, not a greeting. Try to remember this.
Bonne journée! we speak, wishing good day. Bonne soiree! we talk in the evening. A Good night we wish like this: Bonne nuit!
We end the conversation and say goodbye: Au revoir! Everyone knows this word, just like Bonjour. See you soon: À bientôt! or À tout à l'heure!
To say goodbye until tomorrow, say À demain! If you plan to see each other on a specific day, then: À + day of the week. For example: À mardi! - Till Tuesday!
Let's also learn: Merci. - Thank you. De rien. - My pleasure. Please. (In response to gratitude.) S'il vous plaît. - Please! (Request.)
Appeals to people: Monsieur - to a man; Madame - to a woman; Mademoiselle - to a young girl.
Now you can easily carry on your first conversation in French!
If you are interested in learning French from scratch, register FrenchPod101. There you will find a huge number of ready-made lessons from simple to complex, cultural notes and exercises for practicing the phrases you have learned. Each lesson includes an audio dialogue, its text and a list of words with examples in a pdf file.
What languages do you want to learn? basic expressions for a simple conversation?
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The French language attracts with its beauty. It is spoken by 270 million people around the world. In this article you will learn how to speak politely in French.
In this article, you will learn ways to say “please” in French and understand in what situations to use them.
Why learn French
The French language is distinguished by its melody. In conversation, the Frenchman's voice rises and falls. Because the words in a sentence are connected to each other, speech sounds like one melody. This makes French seem incredible beautiful language. This is one of the reasons why it is very popular.
Another reason to learn French is the history and culture of the country. Everyone who loves Hugo, Dumas, Voltaire and others famous personalities, wants to read their works in the original, speak their language and even think in it.
French - official language UN. It is spoken by almost 300 million people around the world. For 35 countries around the world, French is the official language.
"Please" in Russian and French
Being in another country, people cannot avoid communicating with its residents on local language. No matter how you try to abstract yourself from outside world, in an unfamiliar place you will sometimes have to ask for directions, ask for help, or find out some important information.
It is difficult to survive in a foreign country without knowing the language. That is why tourists learn the basics of foreign languages before their trip or, as a last resort, take phrase books with them.
However, not everyone knows, for example, how to pronounce “please” in French. Phrase books do not always spell out pronunciation in Russian letters.
At the same time, in Russian we can use the word “please”:
- When we ask for something. For example: Give me this book please.
- When we respond to a request. For example: Is it possible with you? - Please.
- When we respond to gratitude. For example: Thank you very much! - Please.
- When we convey something. For example: Please, your payment.
- When we experience emotions: indignation, indignation, surprise, etc. For example: Here you go!
- When we want to be polite. For example: Please weigh this piece of meat for me.
In French in these situations we use different words and phrases. Let's try to figure out how to say "please" in French in different speech situations.
Request and response to gratitude
So, in French there are two options for the word "please" when making a request:
- S"il vous plaît - sil vu ple(pronunciation of "please" in French with Russian letters). The phrase "sil vu ple" is used either when addressing many people or to express respect in formal speech.
- S"il te plaît - strong te ple. This phrase is used when addressing close people, peers and, in general, everyone with whom you are on first name terms.
When we want to respond to gratitude, the phrases “sil vu ple” and “sil te ple” are not suitable. There are several variations of "please" in French in response to "thank you".
- Je vous en prie - same vuzanpri. This is a common phrase in response to "merci". This is a respectful form of address.
- Je t "en prie - same tanpri. The same phrase, but when addressed as "you".
There are a few colloquial phrases which the French use in everyday life:
- Il n"y a pas de quo i or just Pas de quoi - il nya pas de qua/pas de qua - " My pleasure".
- C"est tout à fait normal - se here and fe normal- "Everything is fine".
- C"est vraiment peu de choses - se vreman pô de shoz- “This is a mere trifle.”
The following phrase is similar to Spanish De nada:
- De rien - Le Ryan- "My pleasure". This is a shortened version of the phrase Ne me remerciez de rien (n e mö römercier de ryan), translated into Russian - “Don’t thank me for anything.”
The English often use the phrase No problem in their speech. (know problems)- No problem. The French also began to use this combination. This is often how they respond to Excusez-moi ( Excuse mua), that is, "sorry."
- Pas de problem - pas deux problems - "no problem".
- Y'a pas de souci - I pas de sushi- “no problem” (this is a more colloquial version of the phrase above).
Regional phrases for expressing gratitude
In Quebec, residents respond to “thank you” like this:
- Bienvenue - bianvenu- "Please". Looks like English You are welcome (Yu and Welkam)
This expression is heard in Lorraine (north-eastern France) and in western regions Switzerland:
- À votre service - here's the service- "at your service".
If you want to indicate that helping a person was a joy for you, you can use the following phrases:
- C"est un plaisir - setan plaisir- “it’s a pleasure” (“with pleasure”).
- Ça me fait plaisir - sa myo fe plaisir- “It gave me pleasure.”
And this phrase is often heard in the south of France in the city of Toulouse:
- Avec plaisir - avec plaisir- "with pleasure".
However, if you say that in the north of France, you may be misunderstood.
Where French is needed
In what cases can you not do without knowledge of French:
- You are going to work in France. There is no language here. You can start your career in a French company in Russia, but you will still have to learn the language.
- You are going to live in countries where French is the official language. The French respect their culture, so you won’t be able to get away with knowing English here.
- You are going to study in France. Higher education will require from you high level knowledge of a foreign language.
In this article, you learned how to say “please” in French and explored several variations of its use depending on the situation.
If you want to study a language seriously, then you will have to master the basics of the language: phonetics, grammar, spelling, vocabulary.