vmoo_27136

[verbal egret]

Please be patient

Our volunteers look into many questions every day; sometimes it takes them a little while to answer.

Pro tip: you can rename the thread title with `.tr <thread name>`

Make it descriptive, including relevant context, but also to the point. This way you improve your chances of getting a more relevant and specific answer.

[south bridge]

bonne soirée is only when you leave

bonsoir is when you meet, or more rarely when you leave

[little grotto]

here is a helpful resource on soir vs soirée and similar words since i struggle with this same thing: https://www.lawlessfrench.com/vocabulary/an-jour-matin-soir-vs-annee-journee-matinee-soiree/

[onyx marten]

While this is a useful resource, and understanding the fundamental reason between these two groups of words does have to do with why "bonsoir" and "bonne soirée" have the two meanings that they do, it's probably a bit overkill if someone is simply looking to understand the difference between bonsoir and bonne soirée

[lone dagger]

I see, thank you!

Now how do I know they are saying, hello?

[onyx marten]

If someone says "bonsoir" and you just met, they're saying hello / good evening
If they say "bonsoir" as you are leaving each other, they're saying goodbye / have a good evening

[lone dagger]

I mean how do I know which to use?