Formal vs. informal

In French, as well as in many other languages, it is important to make the distinction between addressing someone in the formal or informal. This is a concept we English speakers have to get used to, as we only have one form of the word 'you'. Of course native French speakers will forgive you if you make a mistake as a foreigner, but it is nevertheless very important to understand this concept from the beginning of your learning adventure.

Formal

When addressing an adult stranger: "Bonjour, Monsieur." "Bonjour, Madame."

Whether in the workplace, at the grocery store, post office, etc., it is important to use this greeting unless you have established a more familiar relationship with the person.

Informal

As explained in this week's video lesson, the greeting "Salut" is reserved for familiar relationships --

  • Among children or young people
  • Among family members
  • Between work colleagues (but only in certain environments)
  • An adult greeting a child

"How are you?" is generally asked with the simple phrase, "ça va?" -- which literally translates to "Is it going?" :-)

The typical reply to this question is "ça va bien" -- "I'm fine." This can be used with most anyone.

However, if you want to ask the person in return how he or she is doing, you must then remember to use either the formal:

"Et vous?"

...or the informal "Et toi?"

We'll talk more about formal vs. informal moving forward.

Complete and Continue