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    Bonjour monsieur

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    formal

    How it works

    This greeting combines the standard greeting 'bonjour' (composed of the adjective 'bon' and the noun 'jour') with the polite vocative noun 'monsieur' (originally 'mon sieur', meaning 'my lord'). It is used as a respectful opening address to an adult male in professional, commercial, or unfamiliar social contexts. Unlike informal greetings, adding 'monsieur' emphasizes deference and proper etiquette.

    Sample sentences

    Bonjour monsieur, que puis-je faire pour vous aujourd'hui ?

    Hello sir, what can I do for you today?

    Bonjour monsieur Durand, ravi de vous revoir.

    Good morning Mr. Durand, delighted to see you again.

    En entrant dans la boulangerie, elle a dit : « Bonjour monsieur ! »

    Upon entering the bakery, she said: 'Hello, sir!'

    Quick facts

    gender:Masculine singular address (plural: messieurs; feminine equivalent: madame)
    etymology:bon (good) + jour (day) + mon (my) + sieur (sir/lord)
    pragmatics:Expected standard in French retail and customer service interactions before making requests

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    Bonjour monsieur, que puis-je faire pour vous aujourd'hui ?

    Hello sir, what can I do for you today?

    Bonjour monsieur Durand, ravi de vous revoir.

    Good morning Mr. Durand, delighted to see you again.

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