French · Greetings & Phrases
bonsoir
good evening
Beginnerinterjection
Definition
A greeting used in the evening hours of the day.
Example
Bonsoir, bienvenue chez nous.
Good evening, welcome to our home.
Etymology
'Bonsoir' literally means 'good evening' and has French origins with 'bon' meaning 'good' and 'soir' meaning 'evening.' Its use as a greeting has been recorded since the late medieval period.
How & Where It’s Used
'Bonsoir' is typically used in the evening and can be both formal and informal. It's often spoken and is universal across French-speaking communities.