Formal vs. Informal

In French, depending on who you are talking to, you use different words to address people.

Informal Situations

• younger kids

• friends

• family members

• anyone who gives you permission to use "tu" with them.

Formal Situations

• adult not related to you

• adult in a professional or work setting

• anyone who requests that you use "vous" with them.

• addressing more than one person at the same time

Examples of Informal Language

Salut

Comment tu t'appelles?

Tu t'appelles __________.

Ça va?

Comment vas-tu?

Tu vas bien?

A plus

Examples of Formal Language

Bonjour + Monsieur/Madame

Comment vous appelez-vous?

Vous vous appelez __________.

Comment allez-vous?

Vous allez bien?

Au revoir + Monsieur/Madame

Adieu

​Plural forms: Messieurs/Mesdames

Handshake or Bises!

When French people greet each other, they either shake hands or kiss on the cheek.

The check kiss is called "la bise" and the action of doing it is called "faire la bise". They may kiss 2-4 times, alternating cheeks with each kiss.

Handshake or Bises!

Faire la bise is done when girls greet girls or boys greet girls. Usually they have met at least once already, but if your friend introduces to you to another friend, you could kiss on the first meeting.

Handshake or Bises!

Handshakes are done when boys greet boys. They are also done in professional settings or possibly the first time you are introduced to someone. It is more formal and less intimate than a bise.