bonsoir, comment allez-vous ?
The English phrase "good evening, how are you?" is translated into French as bonsoir, comment allez-vous ?
This phrase is a polite greeting used in the evening to say hello and ask about someone's well-being.
Which one should you use?
While bonsoir, comment allez-vous ? is a slightly more formal version, Bonsoir, comment ça va? is a common way to say good evening, how are you?
Did you know?
- In France, it is common to accompany bonsoir with la bise, which involves kissing both cheeks of the other person. This gesture varies by region and may involve two, three or even four kisses.
- The phrase comment allez-vous ? literally asks 'how are you going?' This reflects a linguistic view of well-being as a movement or progress through life.
- If you use the formal comment allez-vous ? in a very casual setting like a nightclub, you might actually sound sarcastic or jokingly overly dramatic to your peers.
Examples in context
- Bonsoir, comment allez-vous ? Tout va bien ?Good evening, how are you? Is everything well?
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa meet at a professional event in the evening.
- LucasBonsoir, comment allez-vous ?Good evening, how are you?
- LéaJe vais très bien, merci.I am doing very well, thank you.
- LucasJe suis ravi de vous voir.I am delighted to see you.
- LéaMoi aussi, Lucas.Me too, Lucas.
