In France, people always say bonjour to greet other people, even if the situation is a little unconventional. For instance, you’d said “bonjour” when entering a crowded elevator. [2] X Research source If you’re exiting the conversation, offer a friendly bonne matinée (buhn meh-tee-nay) or bonne journée (buhn-zhoor-nay), which mean “have a good morning” or “have a good day,” respectively. [3] X Research source

The literal translation for “good morning” doesn’t organically exist in French—bonjour is the closest equivalent. Bon matin was created and inspired by the English phrase “good morning” and doesn’t have any roots in the French language.

You could use salut to greet a neighborhood friend or a family member, but you wouldn’t use it to greet a random person on the street. [6] X Research source Greeting a significant other? Offer a flirtier salut toi (sah-loo twa) instead (this translates to “hello, you”). [7] X Research source

Bonjour madame (bohn-zhoor mah-dahm): Good morning, ma’am/Mrs. Bonjour monsieur (bohn-zhoor muh-syuhr): Good morning, sir/Mr. Bonjour mademoiselle (bohn-zhoor mehd-mwah-zell): Good morning, miss. [8] X Research source Always use titles to greet someone you have a formal relationship with, like your boss. [9] X Research source It’s also a good rule of thumb to use titles when greeting people who are significantly older than you. [10] X Research source

Unlike most French words, the “s” at the end of “tous” is pronounced, although it isn’t drawn out. Add a caring touch to your greeting by asking Tu as bien dormi? (too ah byeh dol-mi) or Vous avez bien dormi? (voos ah-vay byeh dol-mi)—this just means “Did you sleep well?”[12] X Research source

Mon amour (mohn ah-moor): my love Ma chérie (mah sheh-ree): my sweetheart/my darling (to a woman) Mon chéri (mohn sheh-ree): my sweetheart/my darling (to a man) Mon cher (mohn shehr): my sweetheart/my darling (to a man) Ma chère (mah shehr): my sweetheart/my darling (to a woman) Ma belle (mah bell): my beautiful (to a woman; informal) When there’s a masculine and feminine form of the adjective, use the form that matches the gender of the person you’re addressing. If only a masculine form exists (as with “mon amour”), the term is suitable for anyone. If only a feminine form is available (as with “ma belle”), it is only okay to use with women. [13] X Research source