Connexion Tip: Don't forget to greet

This applies to the obvious scenarios such as meeting or passing people in the town or village (in bigger town centres you can get away without).

You should also say it when entering a shop, even if your French is terrible and you have no intention of carrying on a conversation. To not greet the shopkeeper is considered rude. You may notice French people saying bonjour as they enter a shop, even when the shopkeeper is not there – that is how habitual this greeting is.

When entering a waiting room, you should greet the people there with a quick bonjour or bonsoir. Do not be tempted to skip this or you will look – and be – rude.