How Well Do you Know French Etiquette? Take our French Greetings Quiz!

Nov 29

2 min read

To shake hands, kiss, wave, or hug? Discover the art of greetings in France and test your knowledge with our fun quiz!

🤝 Quiz: How Well Do You Know French Greetings? 💋

What is the typical greeting in a French business setting when entering a meeting?
A) Talk about the weather
B) A firm handshake
C) A wave
D) A nod and a smile
How many kisses do friends usually exchange when greeting each other?
A) 1, 2, or even 3 kisses; it depends on the area!
B) 2, 3, or even 4 kisses; it depends on the area!
C) One kiss
D) No kisses, just a handshake
What do you say when meeting someone for the first time in a formal situation in France?
A) Comment allez-vous ?
B) Enchanté(e) !
C) Ça va ?
D) Talk about the weather
What type of grip should you avoid during a handshake?
A) A friendly grip
B) A limp fish grip
C) A firm grip
D) A crushing grip
What’s the best way to greet someone you haven’t seen in a while?
A) Ignore them
B) Say "Bonjour!" with a smile
C) A respectful bow
D) Talk about the weather
What should you do to make your handshake more memorable?
A) Add a subtle dance move
B) Maintain eye contact
C) Talk about the weather
D) Hold the handshake just a bit too long

Answers:

B) A firm handshake
B) 2, 3, or even 4 kisses; it depends on the area!
B) Enchanté(e)!
B) A limp fish grip
B) Say "Bonjour!" with a smile
B) Maintain eye contact

Quel score avez-vous ?

Mastered French etiquette already? Bravo, you are practically French!
Not quite there? Read on for some tips to perfect your greetings!

French Greetings Etiquette: The Essentials

At Work

In business settings, shake hands with everyone when entering a meeting. Accompany it with a polite, “Bonjour, Monsieur Dupont!” Repeat this on your way out, adding a cheerful, “Merci! À bientôt!”

In General

A good handshake is key. Meeting someone new? Smile and say, “Enchanté(e) !” while giving a friendly shake. Remember: keep it casual and confident!

With Friends

Friends often greet with cheek kisses (called la bise). Women exchange cheek kisses, while men often stick to handshakes—unless they’re close friends. For example, greet your friend Marie with two kisses and a friendly, “Salut, Marie ! Ça va ?”

With Family

Greet family with a mix of handshakes and cheek kisses. You might shake hands with your uncle and then kiss your cousin’s cheeks, saying, “Ça fait longtemps !”