10 Informal greetings in French
In France, greeting people is an important part of daily life, and there are many different ways to do it depending on the situation and the relationship between the people involved.
In this lesson, we’ll focus on informal greetings in French, which are used when speaking with friends, family members, and people you know well.
1. Salut!
This is one of the most common informal greetings in French and is similar to saying “hi” in English. It is appropriate to use with friends, family members, and colleagues you know well.
2. Coucou!
This is a cute and playful way to say “hello” to someone you know well, especially a friend or family member.
3. Ça va?
This is a simple way to ask someone how they are doing. It can be used as a greeting or as a casual way to start a conversation.
4. Comment ça va?
This is a more formal way to ask someone how they are doing, but it can also be used as an informal greeting with people you know well.
5. Quoi de neuf?
This means “what’s new?” and is a common way to start a conversation with someone you know well.
6. Bonjour, ça va?
This is a more formal way to greet someone, but it can also be used as a more polite way to greet someone you know well.
7. Salut, ça roule?
This is a casual way to greet someone and ask them how they are doing. It is similar to saying “hey, what’s up?” in English.
8. Yo!
This is a playful and informal way to say “hi” to someone you know well. It is often used among young people.
9. Hey!
This is another informal way to say “hi” to someone you know well. It is similar to saying “hey” in English.
10. Alors?
This means “so?” or “what’s up?” and is a casual way to start a conversation with someone you know well.
When using informal greetings in French, it is important to be aware of the relationship between you and the person you are speaking with. While some of these greetings may be appropriate for close friends and family members, they may not be suitable for more formal or professional situations. With a little practice, you can become comfortable with these informal greetings and add a touch of French flair to your conversations with friends and loved ones.