The French Connection - 5 Ways to Say Hello in French

Hello

There are few films more exciting or gripping than "The French Connection," a story about a police raid that brought down a major heroin-smuggling operation in New York City. Gene Hackman's performance and William Friedkin's direction helped to earn the film five Oscars in 1972, including Best Picture and Best Director. The movie remains a classic of American cinema and a must-see for anyone learning to speak French.

Whether you're a fan of the movie or are just beginning to learn the language, it's important to understand that French has many ways to say hello. Depending on the situation and level of formality, certain greetings will be more appropriate than others. Here are some of the most common greetings in French:

Bonjour

This is perhaps the most commonly used and best-known of all French greetings. You'll hear it in shops and restaurants, as people enter or exit buildings and greet friends and acquaintances. It's also the first word spoken in Disney's well-known movie, "Beauty and the Beast."

Bonjour is the most The french connection attack versatile of all French greetings because it can be used in any situation, regardless of the level of formality. It's the safest and most polite choice, and it can be used when talking to anyone, from a complete stranger to your boss.

Another great use of bonjour is on the phone. In fact, this is the way most French people answer the phone when they're at work or out and about. It's usually said in a rising tone, like a question: "Allo?" You can also say bonjour to your friends on the phone if you want to be a bit more casual.

Salut is a younger, more laid-back cousin to bonjour. It's typically used in more informal situations, such as when you're meeting a friend for the first time or at a party. It's often used when greeting children, as it sounds more playful than bonjour. However, it's not appropriate to use at school or in other formal settings.

Enchante(e)

If you're a woman, enchante is how you would say "pleased to meet you" in French. It's pronounced the same as enchante, but it's a different word in French because you agree with the person you're greeting on their gender. Men, on the other hand, say enchante with an extra "e" so it agrees with the male subject.

If you're a man, vous (pronounced "wee") is the most appropriate form of greeting for you. It's also the most common way to greet people in France, so it's a good idea to be familiar with it.