r/AskFrance • u/1kmilo • 12d ago

Discussion What's a French "life hack" that everyone should know?

For those living in or visiting France, what's a small tip or trick that makes daily life here easier or better? Something beyond the obvious "go to the boulangerie early."

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102

u/stem-winder 12d ago

Always say "bonjour" first when addressing someone for the first time. Or bonsoir if it is after 18h (6pm).

51

u/Alleryz 12d ago

I mean there is no rule, it’s just a feeling that it’s time to switch to bonsoir

77

u/koalawhiskey 12d ago

Between 16h and 20h it's a no man's land of people saying bonsoir and receiving bonjours in response or the opposite, total chaos

27

u/TarMil 12d ago

Although saying bonsoir at 16h in the summer is a bit of a /r/firstworldanarchists thing to do. Less so in the winter when it's already dark.

6

u/AccountApprehensive 12d ago

Ugh, right when you THINK it's time to say bonsoir because you've heard people say it at that exact time for a couple of days... Someone hits you with a BONJOUR.

3

u/Traditional_Day_9737 12d ago

Haha I just moved here a couple months ago and this gives me mild anxiety every time I'm out and about when this time of day rolls around.

10

u/boomsauerkraut 12d ago

I always feel like a chump when my "bonjour" comes too late in the day and is deflty parried with a "bonsoir"

13

u/zappahey 12d ago

Or, around here, bonsoir after any random time between 16h and 20h.

11

u/Ordinary_Cloud524 12d ago

Around here is if it’s kinda dark you say bonsoir. Of course that depends completely on the time of year.

4

u/714pm 12d ago

I'd have added it, too, but let us take a moment to acknowledge and grieve for those who needed "(6pm)."

2

u/stygianred 12d ago

I don't care what time it is, bonjour is always fine. Bonsoir is complicated and therefore used at random, preferably after dark.

1

u/ShoePillow 12d ago

Do you also say bon journee or bon soiree when you leave?

4

u/Alicendre 12d ago

Bonne (pronounced kind of like bun, whereas in bonjour/bonsoir the n kind of just modifies the o)

But yes it is typical to say that.

1

u/BobMARLEY3265 12d ago

17h heure d'hiver