Bonjour is the default
Bonjour is safe in most daytime situations. Salut is informal. Bonsoir is used later in the day.
Ask how someone is
Comment ça va ? is common and friendly. A simple Ça va, merci works as a natural answer.
Politeness matters
With strangers, bonjour before asking a question is an important social habit in France.
Quick reference
| Bonjour | Hello / good day |
| Salut | Hi |
| Bonsoir | Good evening |
| Comment ça va ? | How are you? |
| Ça va, merci | I’m fine, thanks |
Continue with the interactive lesson
Use the lesson to practise the same topic with exercises and progression.