Good Morning In French: Rules And Tips

Do you want to learn how to say good morning in French in less than ten minutes?

Bonjour is used to say “hello” both in formal and informal settings, as well as “good morning” in any context. It is therefore essential to know when or how to say Bonjour as an equivalent of “Good Morning” depending on the situation and to whom you say it. 

Good Morning In French: Rules And Tips

Here’s a handy guide to learn how to say bonjour correctly, as well as certain important rules to remember.

1. Good Morning in French — The Basics

Saying “Good Morning” in French is pretty easy: you simply say “bonjour“.

Pronunciation: 

• Say it as bon-ZHOUR, and make sure that the second  syllable is emphasized 
• Note that the “ZH” sound is like a soft “J”. (Like the “g” in “rouge” or in the English words “massage” or”garage”)).
• Be careful with the “r” because it is not expressly pronounced like in English. In French it’s more like a gurgling sound, not silent or breathy. 

Listen to pronunciation here 🎧.

2. When to use “Bonjour”

The following are the instances when you can use bonjour to say “good morning” in French. 

• Greetings to someone who has just awoken
• A way to wish someone a good morning, or
• A form of “hi” at random intervals at any time of the day

Know that Bonjour isn’t simply for saying “good morning” in French in the morning. It’s also used all day, from early morning to late evening.

In French, there is no standard expression for “good afternoon.”

If you like, you can say bon après-midi or bon aprèm (colloquially), although it’s not common. It’s usually intended to mean farewell when it’s used (much like bonne nuit).

If you’re at the office or university, you’ll only say bonjour once. Use various greetings the second and subsequent times you see your colleagues or classmates. (See: Ways to Say Hello in French)

3. Whom you can say bonjour to

Bonjour can be used to greet anyone in French, including children, or anyone younger or older than you. 

Bonjour can be used as a substitute for “hello” in informal contexts, such as when speaking to someone older, a person you do not know personally (such as a store clerk), or your employer or coworker (who isn’t exactly a good friend).

4. Difference between Bonjour and Bonne Journée

These two expressions convey the same thing when translated literally: “Good day.”

However, whereas a cheerful “Bonjour!” is used as a greeting in French, “Bonne journée!” is a French phrase that means “good day!” when you part ways.

In English, it’s the equivalent of “Have a pleasant day.” It’s also something you only say to people you do not know personally.

For instance, “Bonne journée!”  is something you’d most likely hear from the doorman as you leave the hotel. 

5. Use a title if you’re saying Bonjour to someone you don’t know. 

Following the formality of French society, it’s customary to add a title when greeting someone you don’t know, comparable to saying “sir” or “ma’am” in English.

When speaking to someone you don’t know in French, however, titles are proper, regardless of their age. After saying “bonjour,” add the title. These are some examples of common titles:

• If you’re talking to a woman who appears to be married or older than you, say “Madame”.
• If you’re talking to a married or single adult man, say “Monsieur”.
• If you’re talking to a young girl, say “Mademoiselle”. 

6. Saying Bonjour to a group of people

To say “good morning” to a group of people, add “à tous” after “bonjour.” You can skip the titles if you’re meeting a group of individuals you know. You can simply say “good morning to all” instead.

The “s” at the end of “tous” is spoken, but not prolonged or drawn out, unlike most French words.

• Bonjour à tous – Good morning to all

7. Say Bonjour with a term of endearment only if it’s appropriate. 

When you get up in the morning, you might want something sweet to meet a close family member or significant other. You can express your fondness for them by saying “bonjour” followed by a term of endearment.

Here are common French terms of endearment to use with Bonjour: 

• Mon amour– my love
• Ma chérie – my sweetheart/my darling (to a woman)
• Mon cher – my sweetheart/my darling (to a man)
• Ma belle – my beautiful (to a woman; informal)

Examples:

Bonjour,mon anour! 

Bonjour, ma cherie! 

Related Article: Good Night In French

Want to learn more French phrases? Check out our language guides below:

• Have A Great Day In French
• Happy Birthday In French
• How Are You In French: 20 Ways To Say It