French · Real conversations
How to respond to “Bonjour !” in French
A greeting opens the exchange. Match the time and relationship, then add a small follow-up if you want to keep talking.
What you might hear
Bonjour !
Hello!
Choose a reply that fits
Bonjour !
Hello!
A simple greeting works in a brief encounter.
Bonjour.
Good morning.
Use a morning greeting during the morning.
Ça fait plaisir de te voir.
Nice to see you.
A warm choice when you already know the person.
Comment vas-tu ?
How are you?
Invite a short check-in instead of ending with a greeting.
Two short exchanges
A brief greeting
Bonjour !
Hello!
Bonjour !
Hello!
Meeting someone you know
Bonjour !
Good morning!
Bonjour.
Good morning.
Your turn
Greet someone you already know and show that you are pleased to see them.
Reveal a sample reply
Ça fait plaisir de te voir.
Nice to see you.
This response guide in other languages
A note on speaking French
Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.
Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.
