In French, there is the word "bonjour", which is known to almost every person, regardless of his visit to Paris and personal acquaintance with the country. What does "bonjour" mean, many understand it automatically. This is a friendly greeting. In Soviet times, the films Fantomas and Toy were very popular, where the familiar phrase constantly sounded. A sugary, rolling greetings flash through my head, and the face of Louis de Funes or Pierre Richard appears in my memory.
Meaningful word in France
Most people know what “bonjour” means in French. Translated into Russian, this word is interpreted as "hello", "good afternoon." In France, bonjour is not just a greeting. They attach great importance to this word.
Each self-respecting Frenchman, leaving the house, "puts on" a pleasant smile and gives everyone he greets with a morning greeting: "Bonjour!" At that moment, he becomes a “dearest person” worthy of respect.
“Bonjour” in France is like morning coffee, a pleasant trifle that raises the mood and charges with positive for the whole day. Saying this, a person emphasizes a small but important thing: you were greeted, paid attention to you. This is not a meticulous "hello" that is gritted by old gossips in the courtyard on the bench after the passing youth, but a sincere, warm "bonjour!"
Favorite language of Russian nobility
In the 19th century, it was very fashionable to speak French in Russia. Aristocratic personalities, meeting each other, exclaimed enthusiastically and importantly, "Bonjour!", Which means, "Greetings, dear friend!".
The Russian "Monsieur" and "Madame" with great pleasure spoke the French language and seemed more refined and noble. Expensive offsprings were assigned governesses and teachers who were real French, they taught the basics of the French language for children from an early age.
“Bonjour” is a beautiful soft word, but the Russian greeting “Good afternoon” is no worse if it is said with a warm and sincere smile.