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Fact check: How to say in french: hello, goodbye, thank you, my name is

Checked on August 18, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, the French translations for the requested phrases are well-documented across multiple educational sources:

  • Hello: "Bonjour" is the standard formal greeting [1] [2]
  • Goodbye: "Au revoir" is the standard farewell [1]
  • Thank you: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided analyses, this is a basic phrase covered in French learning materials
  • My name is: "Je m'appelle" is the standard way to introduce oneself [1] [2]

The sources also indicate that there are alternative informal greetings such as "Salut" for "hi" [1], and that formal variations exist, such as "Bonjour, Madame" when addressing women formally [2]. The educational materials emphasize both pronunciation guidance and grammatical explanations to help learners use these phrases correctly [2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several important contextual elements that the sources address:

  • Formality levels: The sources distinguish between formal and informal greetings, with "Bonjour" being more formal than "Salut" [1] [2]
  • Situational variations: French greetings can vary based on the time of day, relationship with the person, and social context [2]
  • Pronunciation guidance: The educational sources emphasize that proper pronunciation is crucial for effective communication [2]
  • Cultural context: French greeting customs may differ from other cultures, requiring understanding of appropriate usage [2]

The sources indicate that language learning platforms and educational institutions benefit from providing comprehensive phrase lists and structured lessons, as evidenced by the detailed curricula offered [1] [3].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself contains no misinformation or bias - it is a straightforward request for basic French translations. However, there are some limitations:

  • The question oversimplifies the complexity of French greetings by not acknowledging that context and formality levels matter significantly in French culture
  • It assumes one-size-fits-all translations when French, like many languages, has multiple ways to express these concepts depending on the situation
  • The request lacks consideration for pronunciation and proper usage, which the educational sources emphasize as crucial components [2] [3]

The educational sources demonstrate that effective language learning requires comprehensive instruction beyond simple word-for-word translations, including cultural context and practical application scenarios [1] [2] [3].

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