What Does Bonjour Mean In French And Why Is It Important?

Ever wondered why the word Bonjour is so important in the French language? Let’s find out.

As someone who has lived in France since 2016 I’ve been on the journey of learning to speak French. And understanding what does Bonjour mean and when should I use it was all part of that journey.

I soon figured out that the word “Bonjour” can make all the difference.

It’s the deciding factor on whether you’ll get good or bad service, and that’s why the word Bonjour is so important. I kid you not.

This one word, “Bonjour”, is so important in France if you want good service.

You see, in France “Bonjour” isn’t just about saying hello. Oh no, it’s far more than that.

What does the word Bonjour mean in French

“Bonjour” directly translates to “good day.” It’s a combination of “bon” (good) and “jour” (day) and is a polite and friendly way to greet someone.

It’s a versatile little word and can be used in both formal and informal settings. It is the French equivalent of saying “hello” or “good morning” in English.

How to pronounce Bonjour

My French teacher Sharon would tell you to say “bohn-zhoor,” with a soft “n” sound at the end of “bon” and a gentle, nasal “zh” sound in “jour,” similar to the “s” in “treasure.” The emphasis is typically on the second syllable, “jour.”

Why is the word Bonjour so important?

The reason why the word Bonjour is so important is because saying “Bonjour” is a sign of respect

The best way of explaining it is “C’est simple comme bonjour” (it’s as simple as saying hello).

Everything hinges on you acknowledging people with a simple hello greeting before making your request.

And it’s not just about greeting people. It’s announcing your arrival in their space, their space not yours.

You are the visitor in their space.

When do you say Bonjour?

It doesn’t matter if you’re getting on a bus, ordering a coffee or greeting the doctor’s receptionist, you must say “Bonjour”. Otherwise, they’ll think you have no manners, are rude, and are badly brought up.

It’s the French way and without it not only are you likely to get a less than cordial service, but you might not get any service at all.

In fact, my neighbour Anne, who is most definitely the chic Parisian in our social circle, told me that it can even make a difference to how much your coffee costs you in Paris.

Yep, it’s that important.

When I’m out and about whether it’s shopping or walking the dog it’s not uncommon to say “Bonjour” 10-15 times. And if you don’t say it you’ll appear like a rude foreigner who has no manners.

If you’re working at a job in France then every morning when you go to work it’s expected that you greet everyone with “Bonjour”.

Especially the people you work with most of the time.

Remember as well to make it a cheery “Bonjour”. Don’t mutter or mumble.

Make it heartfelt and positive but without being over the top. There’s a fine line between looking like a crazed foreigner and someone who blends in and can almost come across as French.

What time do you switch from Bonjour to Bonsoir?

And then of course there’s the time of day. Depending on what time of day it is then it might be “Bonsoir” instead of “Bonjour”.

This one is up for debate as different people will tell you different rules on this one.

I should just mention that “Bonjour” won’t necessarily solve all your problems.

It can be a bit of a well-executed dance when asking a French person that you don’t know for help with something.

A cheery “Bonjour” doesn’t guarantee they’ll help you. They may well still give you a dismissive “non” to start off with but don’t be put off.

That doesn’t mean your “Bonjour” has fallen flat or that you’ve failed.

What you have to remember is the French like to have a conversation so keep going. Ask a follow-up question and you might be surprised.

When do you use Bonne journée, and what does it mean?

The French get such a hard time for being a nation of rude people when, in reality, they really aren’t. They observe the niceties in everyday life far more than in many other countries and cultures.

I know when I lived in the U.S., the phrase “Have a nice day now,” was one I heard a lot, and Bonne Journée is similar. You’re simply wishing someone a good day.

Here in France, I use “Bonne Journée” all the time. I say it to the post lady when she delivers my parcels. I say it to the person serving me at the checkout in SuperU, or behind the counter in the Pharmacy.

I say it when I’m getting ready to leave a restaurant or cafe, literally anywhere you’re preparing to leave.

More often than not, it comes before saying goodbye, au revoir.

Saying “Bonjour” is part of French life

Personally, I rather like it. Don’t you think it’s nice that people want to pass the time of day with you and say hello?

Maybe it is a little old-fashioned, but I for one enjoy these niceties.

It’s similar to how everyone stops and has a chat at the checkout, young and old. This used to annoy me intensely.

Didn’t they know I had somewhere to be?

Then I realised that actually it was a nice thing to do and made your shopping experience much more personal.

People have time for each other here and aren’t in such a big hurry racing through each and every day.

After all, the word itself is made up of two words, bon and jour, good and day. That to me says it all.

When do you use Bonne journée, and what does it mean?

The French get such a hard time for being a nation of rude people when, in reality, they really aren’t. They observe the niceties in everyday life far more than in many other countries and cultures.

I know when I lived in the U.S., the phrase “Have a nice day now,” was one I heard a lot, and Bonne Journée is similar. You’re simply wishing someone a good day.

Here in France, I use “Bonne Journée” all the time. I say it to the post lady when she delivers my parcels. I say it to the person serving me at the checkout in SuperU, or behind the counter in the Pharmacy.

I say it when I’m getting ready to leave a restaurant or cafe, literally anywhere you’re preparing to leave.

More often than not, it comes before saying goodbye, au revoir.

3 Different ways of saying hello in French

Bonjour tout le monde

Bonjour tout le monde means “hello eveyone”. It’s a phrase I hear all the time, especially in my line dancing classes. Our teacher says it to get everyone’s attention to start the class.

Bonjour mes amis

Bonjour mes amis is a phrase that translates to “Hello my friends,” and would typically be used if you were greeting a group of friends you’re meeting in a coffee shop, for example.

Bonjour madame/monsieur

Putting madame/monsieur after the word “Bonjour” is the way you might greet an older person you know, but not very well. 

When I’m out walking my dog and see the old farmer, Claude, who lives at the top of our road, I always say, “Bonjour Monsieur,” even though I know his name. 

It’s a mark of respect, especially for older people. As I said earlier, the French are actually very polite, contrary to popular belief. 

FAQS: Bonjour meaning in French

Final thoughts on what Bonjour means and when to use it

As you can see, the word “Bonjour” packs quite a punch in the French language. If you don’t use it, you’ll be considered rude and often get subpar service.

You don’t need to be fluent in French to say “Bonjour”.

The French language is full of wonderful phrases, and part of the fun of learning is knowing when to use them and when not to.

And remember, it’s little things like this that help you settle into life in France, and each new French phrase you learn moves you forward.

So I wish you good luck and hope you experience more of the French traditions and ways of doing things when you next visit.