If you’re standing in a bakery in Lyon or meeting a new group of people at a bar in Bordeaux, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is how do you say hello my friend in French. It seems like a simple question. Most people just want a quick translation they can use without sounding like a tourist who just stepped off a time machine from 1850.
But here is the thing. French isn’t just one language. It’s a series of social codes disguised as words. Depending on who you are talking to, saying "hello my friend" can range from a warm, brotherly greeting to a weirdly formal statement that makes everyone in the room feel slightly uncomfortable.
The most direct, textbook-style way to say it is Bonjour, mon ami. If you are talking to a woman, it becomes Bonjour, mon amie. It’s safe. It’s grammatically perfect. It’s also... well, it’s a bit stiff. Honestly, if you walk up to a local in Paris and lead with that, they’ll immediately know you’re using a translation app. It’s not "wrong," but it’s definitely not how the locals actually talk to each other.
The Reality of Bonjour Mon Ami
Let's break down the classic. Bonjour means "good day," and mon ami means "my friend." Simple enough, right? In written French, or perhaps in a very formal speech, this works fine. However, in the real world, the French are masters of the "short and sweet."
If you’re hanging out with people your own age, you’ll almost never hear "mon ami" used as a direct address. It sounds a bit like something a character in a movie would say right before a dramatic reveal. Instead, the French use a variety of slang and "argot" that feels way more natural.
Why Gender Matters (Even for Friends)
You can't escape it. In French, everything has a gender. When you ask how do you say hello my friend in French, you have to know who you’re looking at.
- Mon ami: Male friend.
- Mon amie: Female friend.
The pronunciation is actually the same because of the "liaison"—that thing where the 'n' in mon slides into the 'a' of ami. It sounds like mo-nah-mee. It’s a smooth sound. If you’re talking to a group, you’d say Bonjour, mes amis.
But again, unless you’re hosting a formal dinner party or greeting a crowd of people you don't know very well, this can feel a bit "extra."
What People Actually Say (The Informal Stuff)
If you want to sound like you’ve actually spent time in France, you need to ditch the "Bonjour" occasionally and definitely ditch the "mon ami."
Salut is your best friend here. It’s the Swiss Army knife of French greetings. It means "hi," but it also means "bye." It’s casual, it’s easy, and it instantly lowers the formality of the room.
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Pair it with these:
Salut, mon pote.
This is probably the most common way to say "Hi, my friend" in a casual setting. Pote is the equivalent of "mate" or "buddy." It’s gender-neutral in how it’s used, though you might hear ma pote for a girl. It’s used by everyone from teenagers to middle-aged colleagues getting a drink after work. It’s friendly without being overly sentimental.
Salut, toi.
Literally "Hi, you." It’s surprisingly common among close friends or when there’s a bit of a flirtatious undertone. It’s warm. It implies a level of intimacy that mon ami just doesn't capture.
Ça va, l’ami ?
This is a bit more old-school, but in a cool, "salt of the earth" kind of way. It’s something you might hear in a village or from a friendly shopkeeper you’ve known for years. It’s basically "How's it going, friend?" It uses the definite article l' instead of mon, which strangely makes it feel less formal and more like a title.
The Rise of Verlan and Modern Slang
Language doesn't sit still. In the suburbs of Paris and among the younger generation, you’ll hear things that aren't in any dictionary you bought five years ago.
There’s a thing called Verlan. It’s a type of French slang where syllables are inverted. For example, the word femme (woman) becomes meuf. The word mec (guy) stays mec, but it’s used constantly as a filler.
- Salut, les gars: "Hi, guys." This is used for groups of men or mixed groups.
- Wesh, mon reuf: Okay, this is very specific. Reuf is verlan for frère (brother). Wesh is a greeting influenced by Arabic that has become a staple of French urban culture. You’ll hear this among young guys. Don’t use it if you’re a 50-year-old businessman in a suit; you’ll look ridiculous. But it’s important to know it exists.
The Social Nuances of the "Bise"
Knowing how do you say hello my friend in French is only half the battle. The other half is what your body is doing while you say it.
In the US or the UK, a "hello" might be accompanied by a wave or a handshake. In France, it’s often the bise—the cheek kiss. If you’re saying "Salut, mon pote" to a close friend, and you’re both women, or a man and a woman, you’re probably doing the bise. Two men who are very close friends might also do it, though a handshake or a "bro-hug" (which is becoming more common) is also standard.
The number of kisses varies by region. In Paris, it’s two. In Montpellier, it’s three. In some parts of the north, it’s four. It’s a minefield. If you’re unsure, let the French person lead. Just lean in and hope for the best.
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Why "Mon Cher" and "Ma Chère" Are Dangerous
You might have heard people say Mon cher or Ma chère (my dear). While technically a way to greet a friend, it’s very specific. It can sound very upper-class, almost "bougie."
In some contexts, it can even sound patronizing. If a waiter says "Oui, mon cher," he might be being polite, or he might think you’re being a bit difficult. It’s best to avoid this one until your French is at a level where you can sense the sarcasm.
Regional Flavors: Beyond Paris
France is a big country with distinct identities. If you’re in the south, specifically around Marseille, the language has a different rhythm.
You might hear Salut, le sang. Literally, this means "Hi, the blood." It sounds intense, but it’s actually a very high compliment. It means you’re like family—you’re the same blood. It’s the ultimate way to say "hello my friend" in a deep, meaningful way in southern street slang.
In the north or in Belgium, you might hear Salut, fieu. It’s a local way of saying "kid" or "mate." It’s charming and very regional.
Making It Stick: Practical Application
So, how do you actually use this without failing?
If you are at a formal event or meeting someone for the first time who is older than you:
Use Bonjour. Skip the "my friend" part entirely. In French, adding "my friend" to someone you don't know actually feels a bit aggressive or overly familiar. Just a simple "Bonjour, Monsieur" or "Bonjour, Madame" is the height of respect.
If you are at a party and being introduced to friends of friends:
Salut is your go-to. If you want to be extra friendly, you can say Salut, enchanté (Hi, nice to meet you).
If you are texting a friend:
Coucou is huge. It’s an informal, cute way of saying "hey there." You wouldn't usually say it to a boss, but to a friend, it’s perfect. "Coucou! Ça va?" is the standard opening for 90% of French text messages.
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Common Pitfalls to Avoid
One mistake people make when looking up how do you say hello my friend in French is overusing the word ami.
The French take friendship quite seriously. There is a distinction between a copain (a buddy/acquaintance) and an ami (a true friend). Calling someone mon ami when you’ve only known them for ten minutes can feel a bit rushed. It’s like telling someone you love them on the first date.
Stick to the person's name, or a simple Salut, until the friendship is "official."
Summary of Terms
Since we’ve covered a lot of ground, let's look at the options again in a more direct way.
For formal situations, Bonjour is the king. It’s the default. You can’t go wrong with it. If you must add "my friend," keep it for people you actually have a deep bond with.
For casual hangouts, Salut is the way to go. It’s effortless. Pair it with pote if you’re among guys or close-knit groups.
For digital communication, try Coucou. It’s the easiest way to sound like a local over WhatsApp or Instagram.
And if you’re in a group of young people and want to sound "hip" (and can pull it off), Wesh, les gars or Salut, les mecs will get the job done.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Conversation
Stop overthinking the grammar. The French appreciate the effort more than the perfection.
- Observe the room. If everyone is wearing suits, stick to Bonjour. If everyone is in t-shirts and jeans, Salut is mandatory.
- Listen for the response. When you say hello, listen to what they call you. If they call you mon pote, you’ve been promoted. You can now use it back.
- Watch the "tu" vs "vous". This is the ultimate French hurdle. Friends use tu. If you are calling someone "my friend," you should definitely be using the tu form of verbs. Using vous (formal) and mon ami in the same sentence is a massive "clash" of social registers.
- Practice the "Coucou." Next time you message a French acquaintance, start with "Coucou." It’s a low-risk way to test out more natural-sounding French.
French is a language of feeling. It’s about the "vibe" as much as the vocabulary. Once you get comfortable with the fact that how do you say hello my friend in French has about six different answers depending on the time of day and the person's age, you’ll start to navigate French social circles with a lot more confidence.
Forget the rigid rules of your high school textbook. Real French is messy, it's fast, and it’s way more relaxed than you think. Just pick the version that fits your personality and run with it. All you really need is a smile and the right amount of confidence to pull off a "Salut, ça va?" and you’re already halfway to making a new best friend in Paris.