Greeting Etiquette

Meeting Etiquette

The handshake is a common form of greeting.

Friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on the left cheek and once on the right cheek.

First names are reserved for family and close friends. Wait until invited before using someone's first name.

You are expected to say 'bonjour' or 'bonsoir' (good morning and good evening) with the honorific title Monsieur or Madame when entering a shop and 'au revoir' (good-bye) when leaving.

If you live in an apartment building, it is polite to greet your neighbours with the same appellation.

Bonjour (bohn zhure) - Good Morning, Good Day
Bonsoir (bohn swah) - Good Evening
Monsieur (meh sure) - Mister
Madame (mah dahm) - Madam