Want to start your day the French way? Saying “Good morning” in French goes far beyond a simple Bonjour. Whether you’re chatting with a local baker, emailing a client in Paris, or meeting your French-speaking friend over coffee, knowing how to greet properly shows respect and fluency.
French greetings are rich with culture, etiquette, and warmth — and using the right one at the right time can leave a lasting impression.
Let’s dive into 15 ways to say “Good morning” or give a morning greeting in French, complete with dialogues and fascinating context behind each phrase.
1. Bonjour – Good day / Good morning
Origin:
From “bon” (good) + “jour” (day), this is the most common and universal French greeting during the day.
Example:
👤 User A: Bonjour, Madame Dupont!
👤 User B: Bonjour, Lucas. Vous allez bien?
Use: Formal and neutral; suitable for all situations, especially in the morning or early afternoon.
2. Salut – Hi
Origin:
Derived from the Latin salus, meaning “health.” It’s a friendly way to say hi, used more in casual settings.
Example:
👤 User A: Salut, Marie! Bien dormi?
👤 User B: Salut! Oui, super bien.
Use: Informal; used with friends, family, or young people.
3. Coucou – Hey there / Peekaboo
Origin:
Mimics the sound of “peekaboo” (used for children). It’s cute and playful, often between close friends or lovers.
Example:
👤 User A: Coucou toi, tu es réveillé?
👤 User B: Coucou! Depuis un moment déjà.
Use: Very informal and affectionate.
4. Bonne matinée – Have a good morning
Origin:
Used when saying goodbye in the morning, not as a greeting. It’s a polite way to wish someone well.
Example:
👤 User A: Je dois y aller. Bonne matinée !
👤 User B: Merci, toi aussi !
Use: Polite farewell in the morning.
5. Bon réveil – Good wake-up
Origin:
Rare but used poetically or intimately, especially in texts or messages to someone who just woke up.
Example:
👤 User A: Bon réveil, mon amour ❤️
👤 User B: Trop mignon, merci 😊
Use: Romantic or poetic; not commonly used in speech.
6. Hello – Hello (used in French too!)
Origin:
Borrowed from English, this is commonly used in modern French, especially among youth or in international business.
Example:
👤 User A: Hello tout le monde!
👤 User B: Hello! Prêt pour la réunion ?
Use: Informal; often used in casual or trendy environments.
7. Yo – Yo (slang)
Origin:
Like in English, “yo” is urban slang, popular among French teens and young adults.
Example:
👤 User A: Yo, t’as bien dormi ?
👤 User B: Yo ! Comme un bébé.
Use: Very informal; youth slang.
8. Bien le bonjour – A very good day to you
Origin:
Old-fashioned and literary, it’s used humorously or dramatically nowadays.
Example:
👤 User A: Bien le bonjour, cher voisin !
👤 User B: Haha, bien le bonjour à vous aussi !
Use: Formal, theatrical, or humorous.
9. Rebonjour – Hello again
Origin:
Literally means “hello again,” used when you see someone twice in a short span.
Example:
👤 User A: Ah, rebonjour !
👤 User B: Oui, encore toi !
Use: Friendly and situational.
10. Bon matin – Good morning
Origin:
This is not standard in France, but it’s widely used in Canadian French (Québec).
Example:
👤 User A: Bon matin! Tu veux un café?
👤 User B: Oui, avec plaisir!
Use: Regional (mainly Québec); avoid in France.
11. Matinale, hein ? – Up early, huh?
Origin:
Informal and friendly comment on someone waking up early.
Example:
👤 User A: Matinale, hein ?
👤 User B: Oui, je devais finir un dossier.
Use: Casual, often humorous.
12. Debout là-dedans ! – Up and at ’em!
Origin:
Slangy, energetic phrase used to wake someone up playfully.
Example:
👤 User A: Allez, debout là-dedans !
👤 User B: Oh là là, déjà ?
Use: Informal; often used by parents or roommates.
13. Bonne journée – Have a good day
Origin:
Common polite farewell that starts being used in the morning.
Example:
👤 User A: À plus tard ! Bonne journée !
👤 User B: Merci, toi aussi !
Use: Polite; not a greeting but a goodbye.
14. T’es déjà levé(e) ? – You’re already up?
Origin:
Common morning comment among close people at home.
Example:
👤 User A: T’es déjà levée ?
👤 User B: Eh oui, depuis 7h !
Use: Informal, home or family setting.
15. La forme ce matin ? – Feeling good this morning?
Origin:
“La forme” is French slang for “feeling good/energetic.”
Example:
👤 User A: Salut ! La forme ce matin ?
👤 User B: Ouais, grave !
Use: Informal and energetic; shows concern and cheer.
Conclusion:
How to Say Good Morning in French is one of the most useful phrases you can learn to start your day with warmth and politeness. Whether you’re greeting a friend, colleague, or stranger, saying “Bonjour” helps you make a great first impression.
Now that you know the basics and a few variations, you can confidently greet anyone the French way.
Want to keep the conversation going? Don’t miss our guide on How to Say Hello in French for more greetings and tips!
