An English couple walked into the bar and greeted the three people already there, two Frenchmen and an Englishman. We (the couple) knew one of the Frenchmen and the Englishman. We had seen the other Frenchman around.
"Bonsoir" we said.
"Bonsoir" said one of the Frenchmen. "Bonjour" said the other Frenchman.
Now this presented a conundrum.
As a general rule, if we say "bonjour" a French person would say "bonsoir". If we say "bonsoir" a French person would say "bonjour". It seems that we can't get it right.
We asked all those present (the Englishman and two Frenchmen) what was the definitive answer. At what time of day does "bonjour" give way to "bonsoir"?
One of the Frenchmen said "when it's dark outside". The other said "after 6pm". A lively debate ensued.
The Englishman said "I bet you wish you hadn't started this" and we went into the dining room for dinner, leaving them all to it. It was an excellent pizza.
🤣
ReplyDeleteIt's the same upon parting. When does "bon journée" become "bon soirée"? We may never know and will always get it wrong!
DeleteC'est la vie!
ReplyDeleteWe will never know!
DeleteTell me about it we have one neighbour that corrects me what ever I say!!! Bon week-end Diane
ReplyDeleteThat happens to me often as we travel through France, I hadn’t realised it was a national sport. I might get hubby to say one thing while I say the another, see what response that gets. In Italian we have good morning, afternoon, evening and good night, simple.
ReplyDelete