French people are quite polite in the way they address each other so their speech may be more formal than that of Americans. For instance, the French have two ways to say “you.” Tu is used when they speak with people they know well, like friends and family, or children. Vous is used to address older people, people being met for the first time, or on any occasion when someone wants to show respect. In Quebec, Canada, however, tu is used more commonly than in France.

A greeting, such as bonjour (good day) or merci (thank you), is followed by madame (madam) or monsieur (mister). Another way French people show considerateness towards others is to use the conditional tense when they ask a question or offer an invitation. For example, they might say je voudrais (I would like to… ), auriez-vous (would you like to… ?), sauriez-vous (would you happen to know… ?).

Among children, young people and friends, the usual way to greet someone or say good-bye is to say salut, which roughly translates into all the ways Americans informally greet each other in English. Or, when you meet someone you can simply say ça va? (how’s it going?). Just like Americans, the French also shake hands, both in France and in Quebec. But it’s also very common for friends and family to kiss one another on both cheeks. Depending on what part of France you are in, the number of kisses will vary. For instance, in Brittany, located in the northeast, people usually kiss on one cheek only. In the southeast region, people kiss on both cheeks. In the southwest, people kiss on the left cheek, then the right, and then a third time on the left again. Finally, people might even kiss four times in the northwest, back and forth on both cheeks twice. Can you imagine how confusing it might be for people from different regions to get together at a party?!