Learn the most useful French greetings and everyday expressions used by native speakers. Perfect for A1 beginners, trave

30 Essential French Greetings for Beginners

Hello. Used from morning until the end of the afternoon. This is the most common and polite greeting.

Good evening. Use this greeting in the evening, usually after 6 p.m.

Hi. An informal greeting used with friends, family, or people you know well.

Thank you. The standard way to express gratitude in any situation.

Thank you very much. A more polite and stronger way to express gratitude.

You're welcome. A common reply when someone thanks you.

Please. Use this expression when making a request or asking for something politely.

Excuse me. Use it to get someone's attention or to apologize politely.

Sorry. Also used to apologize or politely ask someone to repeat what they said.

Yes. Used to give a positive answer or agree with someone.

No. Used to refuse, disagree, or give a negative answer.

Maybe. Use this word when you are not completely sure.

How are you? A polite way to ask someone how they are doing.

How are you? An informal greeting used with friends, classmates, or colleagues.

I'm fine. A common answer when someone asks how you are.

Very well. Use it to say that everything is going very well.

Not bad. A natural expression meaning things are going quite well.

Nice to meet you. Say this when meeting someone for the first time.

What's your name? A polite way to ask someone's name.

My name is... Use this expression to introduce yourself.