Conversation Basics: Saying Hello and Goodbye

For anyone who is absolutely new to learning a language, there are some words that are just more essential than others. There is absolutely no point in having great grammar and a huge vocabulary if you don't know how to introduce yourself and say hello!

So, when saying hello in France, it is best to use the vous form (see Personal Pronouns) to speak with strangers. This will ensure that rather than unseemingly rude by using tu, in the worst case scenario you will just appear extra-polite and respectful. 

In France, it's important to greet the people you meet- so practice these words and use them! Also, if you  are being introduced to the person that you are greeting or you already know them, you will be expected to faire la bise (kiss cheeks) or to shake hands with them. 

Hello's:

To begin with, the most famous greeting which you are probably more than familiar with: Bonjour. This literally means good day, but is used like we tend to use good morning (and if you happen to be an occa Australian, G'day) as well as a general hello. It is used as a common greeting particularly with those you do not know well (ie. strangers on the street, shop assistants, waiters ect). When pronouncing bonjour, don't be too heaving with the end of the 'n' sound and the end of the 'r'. Shape your mouth as if you would continue with the sounds, but try to avoid a hard 'nnnn' or 'rrr'. They are quiet letters in French. Also, make sure the 'j' sound isn't 'dgj' as in jig, but softer a little like the 'sh' sound in 'shoe', aiming for a 'zhj' sound. The 'ou' vowel sound in bonjour is not as in 'jaw' but more like the 'oo' in 'soon' with an slight 'or' on the end. And if that's too complicated, just say it how you think it sounds- and don't worry, most people will understand you!

Salut- this is the equivalent of the English 'hi'. Much less formal than bonjour. Be careful not to say the 't' sound- it should come out like "sa-loo". Add more 'ooo' the more excited you are. This can be used with copains and amis (friends). Can be (if you're brave) accompanied by that all-so-famous French double cheek kiss. 

By-byes:

Au Revoir- this is translated as a formal good-bye. It means until we meet again, but contains the word revoir, to re-see (see again). Prounced something like "oh rvwahr", it is the safest bet when talking with people you don't know well or who are older than yourself.

Bonsoir- this means good evening and is pronounced 'bon- swah'.Use this in the evening to say hello or goodbye. 

Bonne nuit- meaning good night, this is usually the last thing you say to people before you go to sleep. Again it's a bit tricky to say aloud, phonetically speaking it should be "buhn nwhee". 

Salut- Feel like you've seen this before? You have. Salut can be used with friends to say hi or bye. 

If you want to expand your vocab, here are a few less essential but more specific ways of saying good bye:

See-you....

À tout à l'heure- Literally means 'at all to the hour', but is better translated as 'see you  soon' or 'see you in a while'. 

À bientôt- Another version of 'see you soon'. 

À plus- this means see you later. Be careful to avoid the 's' sound on the end- it should rhyme with 'flu'. 

À la prochaine- Means 'till next time' or 'see ya next time'.

À demain- meaning 'till tomorrow'. 

and of course, Adieu, meaning farewell. 

About.com has some good lists of French salutations, and if you click on the word, it will play it aloud for you! This is a great way to practice your pronunciation. Check out the Hellos and Good-byes pages and click on the words in blue to hear how they sound. 

Donc, je vous dit: Salut, Tout à l'heure, À bientôt, À plus, À la prochaine et À demain! 

(Oh, and a word of caution: it's best to pick one goodbye or hello at a time)