What is the meaning of the French word Coucou?
Coucou is a way of saying hello in French, similar to salut – hi.
“Coucou” is used to greet friends and family. Although there is no exact translation, the British English word “Toodaloo” resembles it the most. The only major difference between these two terms is that “Toodaloo” is more commonly used to say goodbye, whilst “Coucou” is used to say hello.
What's the proper reply to coucou? You can either say coucou back, or go for a salut or bonjour. They're all normal replies. If you aren't a fan of coucou, salut and ça va work as informal greetings as well if you want to stray from bonjour.
Now to be clear, Coucou is a rather recent addition to the French dictionary. It is mostly used by young people, and more often by women rather than men. Two men will more likely greet each other with a Bonjour, or Salut, rather than Coucou.
'Coucou' is probably the most casual and affectionate way to say 'Hey' or 'Hi' in French. It originally meant 'peekaboo', and can still be used in that way. Adults will often say 'Coucou' to greet small children.
Hello in French
Meaning: “Hi!” About: Coucou is a sweet, sincere way of saying hi, normally reserved for close friends and family.
The traditional French greeting: la bise. La bise is a cheek kiss or a series of cheek kisses. This has been the typical way for French people to greet each other since at least the 1960's, and farther back for family members and close friends. In many situations, la bise is the quintessential French greeting.
The French word “coucou” [koo koo] is used as an endearing exclamation to a loved one, meaning “hello” or “hi” so, Cou.
The French word "coucou," [koo koo] can be used as an exclamation meaning "hello" or "hi." It is similar to the English excalamation, "peek-a-boo!" It is also used to refer to the cuckoo clock.
1. “Hi” in French – Salut! Just as commonly used, but a bit more informal, Salut is what we could call Bonjour's cool kid. Meaning “hi”, “hello” or sometimes even “bye”, Salut is the informal French greeting you can use with family and friends but not with your boss or teacher.
What is the meaning of Coucou Bonsoir?
coucou bonsoir – Dictionary and online translation between English and over 90 other languages. French. English. coucou bonsoir. hello good evening.
French people tend not to visit unannounced or uninvited. To do so is considered rude. When invited to a dinner, it is common for guests to ask their hosts if they are required to bring something on the day. Guests may also bring a bottle of wine or dessert.

- Excuse-moi, tu as l'heure ? ...
- Pardon, tu aurais du feu/une cigarette ? ...
- Tu es avec quelqu'un ? ...
- Tu veux (aller) boire un verre ? ...
- Je peux t'offrir un verre ? ...
- Tu viens souvent ici ? ...
- Tu veux aller faire un tour ? ...
- On pourrait peut être aller…
As we mentioned at the beginning, a greeting is of great importance in France. If you go down the street , if you get on the bus, or enter a bakery, and you meet someone you see on a regular basis the most normal thing is to say “bonjour”, even if you don't really know the person.
Etymology. From Old French cucu; onomatopoeic derivative of the call of the cuckoo (bird), coucou, or from Latin cuculus.
Du coup literally means "of the blow," but in use the meaning is akin to "so, like" or "you know." French speakers opt for du coup and alors du coup because these expressions are cool at the moment.
The most common greeting in French is the very useful “bonjour”, and “bonsoir”. The first can be used throughout the day, and the second in the evening. “Salut” is also widely used in a more informal setting.
French Translation. bonjour fille. More French words for hello girl. bonjour jeune fille.
If salut is informal, coucou takes it a step further. This is another casual greeting that translates loosely into the equivalent of “hey there!”. As you can imagine, French culture might consider shouting this down the street to be uncouth, so it's slang reserved for specific situations.
You can either reply saying "Bonjour" back or you could say "salut" which also means hello but in an informal way.
How do you respond to Merci Beaucoup?
Merci Beaucoup – Thank you very much
You can reply to this phrase by saying De rien (You are welcome), if it's an informal engagement, or Je vous en prie (You are welcome), in a formal setting.
La bise is an exchange of kisses on the cheek and the traditional greeting in France. It's something most French people engage in at least once or twice a day, whether with family or friends, or with colleagues.
French | English equivalent | Formality |
---|---|---|
Salut | Hi | Informal |
Coucou | Hey | Very informal |
Bonsoir | Good evening/night | Slightly formal |
Rebonjour | Hello again | Neutral |
Bobo is a portmanteau word used to describe the socio-economic bourgeois-bohemian group in France, the French analogue to the English notion of the "champagne socialist".
ding-dong {noun} FR. volume_up. ding dong. échange vif de mots.
What does fafa mean? Fafa is a nonsense word parodying French. It can also be a pet form of father or papa.
ку-ку́ • (ku-kú) m anim or f anim (indeclinable) (colloquial, derogatory) an insane person synonyms ▲ Synonyms: псих (psix), ненорма́льный (nenormálʹnyj)
Following adverbs of quantity such as trop, pas assez, beaucoup, plein, énormément, etc, the article des becomes de. J'ai des boutons → J'ai plein de boutons.
Serrurerie
Brace yourself: The hardest French word to pronounce is the word for locksmith – “serrurerie“. It was the most commonly repeated response.
Yes in French – oui – is pronounced more or less like 'we' in English, and we use it a lot. It's neither formal or informal, it can be used in pretty much any occasion to answer in the affirmative. So, if in doubt, you can always go with “oui” to say yes in French.
Do French people kiss to say hello?
Of Latin origin, the greeting kissing persists in countries where the culture of contact dominates, and this culture is deeply rooted in France. The French still greet each other by touching each other, kissing or shaking hands.
Au revoir.
(Oh reh-vwah) This is the most common ways of saying goodbye in French, and it's acceptable for the vast majority of situations, formal and informal. It literally means “until we each see each other again.
Signing off
Veuillez accepter, Messieurs (or Monsieur or Madame), mes salutations distinguées. Croyez, cher Monsieur (or chère Madame), à l'expression de mes sentiments les meilleurs.
acceptable. or to ask how someone is doing. the most common phrases in French. Ça va???
English. bonsoir ca va. good evening are you okay.
- Putain. 'Putain' is definitely the most commonly used French swear word. ...
- Merde. 'Merde' is another popular curse word- perhaps not as popular as 'putain' but it is still used a lot. ...
- Va te faire foutre. ...
- Je m'en fous. ...
- Ta gueule. ...
- Salope/ Salaud. ...
- Bâtard/ Bâtarde. ...
- Niquer.
Since the French view Americans as overly proud and conservative people, self-reflection is applauded. Aside from encounters with Americans, only a few reference points remain. American TV Shows or fast-food chains are often used to define and understand American culture.
- Don't take “non!” for an answer. ...
- Don't freak out if someone cuts you in line. ...
- Don't expect speedy service. ...
- A formal, polite greeting goes a long way. ...
- Just don't quote “Lady Marmalade” ...
- If you're speaking English, take it slow. ...
- Don't attempt small talk with a French person.
Mon beau / Ma belle / Ma beauté
Mon beau is typically used for a boyfriend, but can also be used for a close friend or family member, while ma belle is for women. Ma beauté can be used for both female and male loved ones.
Je t'aime passionnément – I love you passionately. Je t'aime à la folie – I love you like crazy. Je t'aime d'amour – I love you with true love.
What do French couples call each other?
- Mon amour – my love.
- Mon ange – my angel.
- Mon trésor – my treasure.
- Mon coeur – my heart.
- Mon canard – my duck – yes, I know…
4 – Flirting is an Artform in France
It's in our genes and it's socially accepted in France. A Frenchwoman is expected to play her feminine side, and be “admired” for her beauty and wit among other qualities. Frenchmen like to flirt as well, even if they know very well there is no hope of it leading anywhere.
The French don't have to say it, either. They are happy to communicate their feelings with hugs, cuddles and kisses wherever and whenever they feel the need to express love. There is no debate about public displays of affection in France, where PDAs are celebrated as a fortunate consequence of love.
Respect is shown in verbal greetings by referring to the person as 'Madam' ('Ms') or 'Monsieur' ('Mr'). Though previously the title 'Madam' referred to a married woman and 'Mademoiselle' referred to an unwed woman, this practice is no longer commonplace.
If salut is informal, coucou takes it a step further. This is another casual greeting that translates loosely into the equivalent of “hey there!”. As you can imagine, French culture might consider shouting this down the street to be uncouth, so it's slang reserved for specific situations.
The informal French greeting “Salut!” (pronounced sah-lu) has several meanings including hi, hello, bye, goodbye and cheers. The French strictly use salut with acquaintances and not strangers. In more formal situations the French use both bonjour and au revoir.
The French phrase je ne sais quoi was borrowed into English as early as the 1650s to characterize some inexpressible, indefinable, or ineffable quality, such as some element that makes an engaging work of art or charismatic person special.
The most common greeting in French is the very useful “bonjour”, and “bonsoir”. The first can be used throughout the day, and the second in the evening. “Salut” is also widely used in a more informal setting. These are the most basic greetings that will commonly be learned in lessons for French for kids.
Serrurerie
Brace yourself: The hardest French word to pronounce is the word for locksmith – “serrurerie“. It was the most commonly repeated response.
References
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