Basic Greetings and Courtesy
Essential Greetings
Bonjour [bon-ZHOOR] - Hello/Good day - Use until evening - ALWAYS use when entering shops
Bonsoir [bon-SWAHR] - Good evening - Use after 5-6 PM - Replaces bonjour
Bonne journée [bun zhoor-NAY] - Have a good day - Use when leaving - Shows courtesy
Bonne soirée [bun swah-RAY] - Have a good evening - Evening equivalent - Parting phrase
Salut [sah-LOO] - Hi/Bye (informal) - Friends only - Never in formal contexts
Au revoir [oh ruh-VWAHR] - Goodbye - Universal politeness - Always appropriate
Courtesy Essentials
S'il vous plaît [see voo PLEH] - Please (formal) - Default politeness - Use liberally
S'il te plaît [see tuh PLEH] - Please (informal) - Only with tu form - Close relationships
Merci [mehr-SEE] - Thank you - Never optional - Brief but essential
Merci beaucoup [mehr-SEE boh-KOO] - Thank you very much - Extra gratitude - Always appreciated
De rien [duh ree-AN] - You're welcome - Most common response - Casual contexts
Je vous en prie [zhuh voo zan PREE] - You're welcome (formal) - More elegant - Professional contexts
Excusez-moi [ex-koo-zay-MWAH] - Excuse me - Getting attention - Apologizing
Pardon [pahr-DON] - Sorry/Pardon - Minor bumps - Quick apology
Désolé(e) [day-zoh-LAY] - Sorry - Genuine apology - Add "e" if female speaker