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Thought you had just understood the difference between bonjour and bonne Âá´Ç³Ü°ù²Ôé±ð? Let us introduce you to belle Âá´Ç³Ü°ù²Ôé±ð. 

This phrase is simply used to say goodbye, however it has received backlash from some French speakers who find it very irritating. Though it is gaining popularity, it is not commonly used.

Bonne Âá´Ç³Ü°ù²Ôé±ð 

The everyday French phrase, bonne Âá´Ç³Ü°ù²Ôé±ð, literally means: have a nice day.

It is a polite way to say goodbye and is used much like other phrases such as, bon weekend or bon voyage.

Read more: Understanding 'Bonne Journée': usage and meaning in everyday French

Belle Âá´Ç³Ü°ù²Ôé±ð 

In recent years, belle Âá´Ç³Ü°ù²Ôé±ð has gained popularity as an alternative to the classic phrase. It literally means: beautiful day, or, have a lovely day. 

France's official moderator of French linguistics, suggests that this “linguistic tic� stems from the exclamation, Quelle belle journee ! (What a beautiful day!)

Read also: Different ways to say hello in French

The difference between bonne and belle 

Belle Âá´Ç³Ü°ù²Ôé±ð is not any more formal than bonne Âá´Ç³Ü°ù²Ôé±ð, and can be used in all the same contexts, with friends and strangers. Some would simply argue that on the ‘kindness scale’, belle ranks higher than bonne. 

However, this distinction has irritated some Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­, who believe that belle Âá´Ç³Ü°ù²Ôé±ð is a useless, silly phrase, uttered by hipster, ‘bobo’ Parisens.

A Figaro article highlights a similar debate between bonne and belle année. It teases that, considering the speed of language evolution, we will soon be hearing: “merveilleuse Âá´Ç³Ü°ù²Ôé±ð, jolie Âá´Ç³Ü°ù²Ôé±ð, douce Âá´Ç³Ü°ù²Ôé±ðâ€� (marvelous day, pretty day, gentle day). 

Continuing the bonne vs belle debate, Linda Giguère, a journalist at TV5 Monde, compared France to the “country of Carebears,� stating, “We are faced with a phenomenon of emphasis, of linguistic exaggeration.�

So, if you decide to try out this extra nice phrase, beware that you may encounter some people who will not have heard it before and others who are belle Âá´Ç³Ü°ù²Ôé±ð haters.

Read also: Pain au chocolat or chocolatine? The definitive map 

When Âá´Ç³Ü°ù²Ôé±ð becomes ²õ´Ç¾±°ùé±ð&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Whether bonne or belle, it is important to remember that at some time between 4pm and 6pm, Âá´Ç³Ü°ù²Ôé±ð will change to ²õ´Ç¾±°ùé±ð. This is to wish somebody a good evening, rather than a good day. 

The exact moment of transition is debated across France, since there is no clear division between day and evening.

To break things down even further:

• Bonne Âá´Ç³Ü°ù²Ôé±ð - Have a nice day (before evening)

• Bonne après-midi - Have a nice afternoon (after midday)

• Bonne ²õ´Ç¾±°ùé±ð - Have a nice evening (after 4-6pm)

• Bonne nuit - Good night (bedtime)