When you leave a store in France what is the first thing you should say?

' (Hello, do you speak English?) You should also greet store clerks when you enter and leave a shop, such as bonjour (or bonsoir after 6pm) and au revoir or merci when you leave, plus sir or madam if you wish.

What should you say when you leave a store in France?

Likewise, when you leave a store always say “Merci, au revoir !” (Thank you, good bye!) It never hurts to add “Bonne journée / fin de journée / soirée.” (Have a nice day/end of your day/evening.)

What do you do before touching merchandise in France?

You should also seek permission before touching any merchandise at a boutique in France, particularly in more upmarket areas. What is this? Unless you are in a self service French grocers or supermarket, do not pick up the produce or serve yourself.

What is considered respectful in France?

It is rude to sit with one's legs spread apart unless in a relaxed context. Rather, sit straight with your legs crossed at the knee or knees together. Feet should not be placed on tables or chairs. If someone is invited to a restaurant or a business function, it is acceptable to arrive at the specific time.

What are some French etiquette?

Important Things You MUST Know Before Visiting Paris (ft. Not Even French) | Paris Travel Guide

What gestures are considered rude in France?

In France, slapping the palm of your hand over your other fist is seen as an aggressive gesture that suggests you want to beat up the person it's aimed at. It is similar to telling someone to step outside.

How do French greet?

When you meet someone in France, you have three options: Shake hands (with strangers) Faire la bise (kiss on the cheek) (friends, acquaintances and family members) Simply say “Bonjour” (hello, good morning) or “bonsoir” (good evening)

Is a thumbs up offensive in France?

Where / When: In France, you can't go wrong with the all-time classic thumbs-up. However, beware of the “OK” sign from the U.K. and U.S., where you join your index and thumb to make a circle. In several European countries, including France, it's a negative sign meaning “Zero” or “Worthless.”

What are some French taboos?

The French highly value their privacy and the privacy of others. Inquiring about one's salary and finances is taboo. To do so is considered highly inappropriate, regardless of how close the relationship is between those conversing.

How do French show their politeness?

French manners and etiquette

A typical gesture of French manners and politeness, which becomes the opposite if you don't apply it, is to let another person pass through a door first, and a man always gives way to a woman. If someone gives way to you, it is common to thank them or say pardon.

How do you greet a shopkeeper in France?

In France you must always — ALWAYS — greet the shopkeeper unless it's such a big store that they don't notice you walking in (like department stores), and don't forget to say goodbye, even if you didn't buy anything: “Merci, au revoir Madame/Monsieur”.

What is a French goodbye?

1 – Au Revoir – The Most Common Way of Saying Goodbye in French. Literally, “Au revoir” means “until we see each other again”. Saying “Au revoir” is extremely common, and you can use it in any occasion.

Does Bonjour mean hello and goodbye?

Bonjour is the go-to greeting in French and means both “hello” and “good morning.” If it's evening or nighttime, you can say Bonsoir (literally, “Good evening”).

Is Au Revoir formal?

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.

Are French people nice?

In fact, French people are very nice. You'll get better customer service, and a chance to make friends in France if you're nice to people. French people appreciate you speaking French to them more than anything. They love their language, so hearing a foreigner speak it makes them much kinder.

Is it rude to finish your plate in France?

French etiquette indicates that you should finish your plate, or the host will be offended (thinking that the meal was bad). What is this? There is a potential conflict here, as in some cultures if you finish your plate it means you didn't get enough!

What are some strange laws in France?

What's the middle finger in France?

The middle finger in French is called le majeur (the thumb is le pouce; index finger is l'index; ring finger is l'annulaire and 'pinkie' is l'auriculaire) but the use of honneur is a hark back to the phrase in Latin: digitus impudicus – le doigt indécent (unchaste finger).

What does ? mean in texting?

? Ok Hand emoji

The OK hand emoji has a range of meanings: It can stand in for the word OK, (or the OK hand gesture) communicate strong approval, mark sarcasm, or combine with other emoji to represent sex.

What does kissing two fingers mean?

Fingertips Kiss: Gently bring the fingers and thumb of your right hand together, raise to your lips, kiss lightly, and joyfully toss your fingers and thumb into the air. This gesture is used commonly in Italy, France, Spain, Greece, and Germany as a form of praise. It can mean sexy, delicious, divine, or wonderful.

What are 3 greetings in French?

The most important French greetings include bonjour (hello), enchanté(e) (nice to meet you), bonsoir (good evening/hello), salut (hi), coucou (hey), Ça fait longtemps, dis donc (long time no see), Âllo (hello), Ça va? (how are you?), tu vas bien? (have you been well?), quoi de neuf? (what's up?), au revoir!

Why do French kiss three times?

The reason behind these differences remains unknown. One respondent remarked that the custom of three kisses appeared more prevalent in the area roughly corresponding to 17th-century Protestant France, and that it could have been a way of recognising those of the same faith (three being a sign of the Trinity).

How do you respond to Como Sava?

As with English, French people tend to reply to Ça va? with a positive response – Bien, or Bien, merci – much the same way as we would use fine in English. The following responses are polite enough for a new acquaintance, but general enough for a good friend, too: Très bien, merci.