bienvenue

Bienvenue is a French term that can function as an interjection, a noun, or an adjective. As an interjection, it is used to greet someone or to extend hospitality: Bienvenue! It is common on signs, invitations, and spoken welcomes.

Etymology and meaning: Bienvenue derives from bien venir, literally “to come well.” The noun la bienvenue refers to the act or reception of being welcomed, the greeting extended to an arrival. Phrases such as donner la bienvenue à des invités or recevoir quelqu’un avec chaleur illustrate its usage in hospitality and ceremony.

Usage and context: In everyday language, bienvenue is used to welcome someone to a place, event, or organization—par exemple, “Bienvenue à Paris,” or “Bienvenue chez nous.” It also appears in formal settings, on websites, and in official speeches as a standard expression of cordial reception. In response to thanks, a host might still use the general sense of invitation and warmth associated with the word.

Grammar and variants: Bienvenue can also function as an adjective with gender and number agreement. The masculine singular form is bienvenu; the feminine singular form is bienvenue. The masculine plural is bienvenus and the feminine plural is bienvenue s. Examples: un accueil bienvenu, des invités bienvenus, une aide bienvenue, des invitées bienvenues. Note that in practice, feminine forms are more commonly used for the noun, while adjectives agree with the noun they describe.

Regional and related uses: In Haitian Creole, the cognate is byenveni. In signage and contemporary usage, bienvenue remains a standard, neutral term for hospitality and welcome across French-speaking regions.