Is it better to say bonjour Madame or bonsoir Madame?

It's better to use Bonjour Madame during the day and Bonsoir Madame in the evening (around sunset or 6 PM), but Bonjour works as a general, polite greeting anytime if you're unsure, as it means "good day" and is essential etiquette in France; using the title (Madame/Monsieur) with it shows respect when addressing someone directly, say ThoughtCo.

Should I say bonjour or bonsoir?

Bonjour is typically used during the daytime, as it translates to ``good day.'' In the evening, ``Bonsoir,'' meaning ``good evening,'' is the more appropriate greeting to use.

How to politely address a woman in French?

Madame (Mme; plural mesdames, Mmes) for a woman. Mademoiselle (Mlle; plural mesdemoiselles, Mlles) is a traditional alternative for an unmarried woman.

Is bonjour mademoiselle flirty?

Using madame or mademoiselle to flirt

Now, if you are a man, and say “bonjour mademoiselle” to a 45-year-old, you could sound flirtatious… However, there is a silver lining: if you did say “bonjour madame” and the said 45-year-old woman answered with a big smile: “non, mademoiselle”, then, she is flirting with you!

Is Bonsoir Madame formal or informal?

- Bonsoir: This is the most formal way to say good evening in French and would typically be used when greeting someone you don't know very well or when speaking to someone of authority.

Bonjour Vs bonjour Madame, Monsieur Vs bonjour + name

What's the proper etiquette for greeting in France?

Handshakes are the norm in a business setting or with acquaintances. It is expected that you will shake hands with everyone present when arriving and leaving. Among friends and relatives, the most common greeting is the 'la bise' (kiss on both cheeks).

Why did the French stop saying Mademoiselle?

It was once the preferred form of address for the fashion designer Coco Chanel and a handful of Gallic screen stars. But, now considered an unnecessary and unjustified reference to women's marital status, the French government has decreed the honorific Mademoiselle should be phased out from official forms.

What is the 5 to 7 rule in France?

The "5 to 7 rule" in France, known as le cinq à sept, traditionally refers to a secretive, late afternoon rendezvous between 5 PM and 7 PM, often implying an extramarital affair or a discreet meeting with a lover before returning home. While once a common concept, modern work schedules and lifestyles mean the phrase is now somewhat dated, though still widely understood in France as a euphemism for a quick, secret romantic encounter, distinct from the Canadian French meaning of a simple happy hour.
 

What is the most romantic thing to say in French?

The most romantic things to say in French go beyond "Je t'aime," with powerful phrases like "Tu es l'amour de ma vie" (You are the love of my life), "Je t'aime à la folie" (I love you madly), "Mon cœur bat pour toi" (My heart beats for you), or the incredibly deep "Je t'aimerai jusqu'à mon dernier souffle" (I will love you until my last breath). Choosing the right phrase depends on the intensity, but classics like "You are my other half" or "I can't live without you" truly capture French romanticism. 

Why isn't mademoiselle used anymore?

'Mademoiselle' is traditionally used for young, unmarried women, but some see it as outdated. Many younger French speakers now avoid using 'Mademoiselle' and prefer 'Madame' for all women. In 2012, the French government banned 'Mademoiselle' from official documents to promote gender equality.

What is the 80/20 rule in French?

The 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) in French learning means focusing your studies on the 20% of vocabulary, grammar, and structures that provide 80% of understanding and communication, allowing you to speak faster by prioritizing high-frequency words and essential tenses over mastering everything. This approach helps you quickly reach conversational ability by learning common words like "je," "il," "elle," common verbs (e.g., "être," "avoir"), and everyday sentence patterns, rather than getting bogged down in rare exceptions or complex grammar initially. 

How do I reply to ça va?

To respond to "Ça va?" (How are you?), use simple, positive answers like "Ça va bien, merci. Et toi/vous?" (I'm good, thanks. And you?) for polite exchanges, or go with "Ça va, merci" (I'm fine, thanks), "Pas mal" (Not bad), or even just "Ça va" (It's going) for casual replies, often adding "Et toi?" (And you?) to pass the question back. 

Do the French actually say "je ne sais quoi"?

Yes, the French say "je ne sais quoi," but it usually means the literal "I don't know what," while English uses it as an idiom for an indescribable, appealing quality, though French speakers can use it similarly (as "un je ne sais quoi") but it sounds a bit formal or dated for everyday chat, often replaced by "quelque chose" (something) or "un petit quelque chose" (a little something). 

Can I have the bill please French?

To signal that you want to pay in a café or restaurant, you can use: L'addition, s'il vous plaît. The bill, please.

Is it okay to use a bonne journée with strangers?

Bonne journée. Good day. This phrase is simple yet effective and can be used in any setting, whether formal or informal. It's perfect for friends, family members, colleagues, or even strangers you interact with during the day.

What time do you switch from bonjour to bonsoir?

“Bonsoir” means “good evening” and is typically used after 5 PM or when it starts to get darker. It signals the transition from day to night.

How do I reply "je t'aime"?

To respond to "Je t'aime" (I love you) in French, say "Je t'aime aussi" or "Moi aussi, je t'aime" (Me too, I love you) if you love them back; for a less intense, "I like you" response, use "Je t'aime bien," but remember "Je t'aime" is a strong declaration, often reserved for romance or family, while "Je t'aime bien" is for friends. 

What does je veux être avec toi mean?

Je veux être avec toi. I want to be with you. Tu es ma joie de vivre. You're the joy of my life.

What is frowned upon in France?

It is frowned upon in France to shout or speak very loudly during a discussion or on the phone. We do not like people who stand out or who are too much in France.

Which country has the least cheaters?

Iceland is the country with the least number of cheaters (9%). Some people prefer one-night stands with strangers! In fact, most respondents from Thailand, France, Russia and Australia said they've slept with a stranger behind their partners back.

Are French touchy feely?

Given the close nature of the French greeting with kisses, the French are generally more at ease maintaining personal space. The French may seem reserved upon first meeting. However, during subsequent meetings, touching during a conversation is acceptable and considered a sign of affection.

What do French call a married woman?

The abbreviation for “madame” is “Mme.,” which is equivalent to “Mrs.” in English. This term is traditionally used to address married women.

Is it correct to say "Je te manque"?

To actually tell someone you miss them in French, you would say: tu me manques and NOT je te manque...