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Bonjour vs. salut vs. coucou vs. allô

Word practice demo
French offers several ways to say hello, ranging from the strictly formal to the playful and affectionate. While bonjour is the universal safety net, words like salut, coucou, and allô have specific contexts regarding intamacy, formality, and the medium of communication.

Bonjour

A1
This is the standard, polite, and universal greeting that literally translates to good day. You use bonjour with strangers, shopkeepers, superiors, and friends alike during the daytime; it is the safest option if you are unsure of the social standing.
Bonjour monsieur, je cherche la gare.
(Hello sir, I am looking for the train station.)
Quand tu entres dans la boutique, il faut dire bonjour.
(When you enter the shop, you must say hello.)
Bonjour Paul, comment vas-tu ce matin ?
(Good morning Paul, how are you this morning?)

Salut

A1
This is a casual and informal greeting used strictly with people you know well, such as friends, family, or peers. Salut is equivalent to hi or hey, and unlike bonjour, it is flexible and can also be used to say goodbye.
Salut tout le monde, désolé pour le rater.
(Hi everyone, sorry for the delay.)
Je dois y aller, salut !
(I have to go, bye!)
Salut, on se voit au parc ?
(Hey, shall we meet at the park?)

Coucou

A1
This is a very informal, cute, and affectionate way to say hello. Coucou is used with close friends, romantic partners, or children, often to get their attention playfully, similar to peek-a-boo or a friendly hey there.
Coucou ! Je suis caché sous la table.
(Peek-a-boo! I am hiding under the table.)
Je t'envoie un petit coucou pour ton anniversaire.
(I am sending you a little hello for your birthday.)
Coucou mon cœur, le dîner est prêt.
(Hey sweetheart, dinner is ready.)

Allô

A1
In France, allô is used almost exclusively as a question when answering the telephone to ensure the other person is there. However, it is important to note that in Quebec, allô is used more broadly as a standard, friendly greeting like hello.
Allô ? Je ne vous entends pas bien.
(Hello? I can't hear you well.)
Ton téléphone sonne, dis allô.
(Your phone is ringing, say hello.)
Allô, c'est le docteur à l'appareil.
(Hello, it is the doctor speaking.)

Summary

To choose the right greeting, assess the situation: use bonjour for general and formal interactions, salut for casual hellos and goodbyes with friends, coucou for playful moments with close loved ones, and allô specifically when picking up the phone.