bonjour, comment ça va ?
The English phrase 'hello and how are you' is translated into French as bonjour, comment ça va ?
This phrase is a common greeting used to say hello and ask about someone's well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The word bonjour is a combination of bon (good) and jour (day).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use Bonjour, comment allez-vous ? when speaking to a stranger, a superior or someone you wish to show respect to. The phrase Salut, ça va ? is a common informal way to say 'Hi, how are you?' among friends and peers.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase Ça va can serve as both the question 'How are you?' and the answer 'I am doing well.'
When do people say it?
A standard response to comment ça va ? is Ça va bien, merci.
Did you know?
- In many French-speaking regions, it is considered quite impolite to start a transaction in a shop without first saying bonjour to the clerk. Skipping this greeting can be seen as a direct slight to the person's dignity.
- Depending on the tone of voice, ça va can be a question, a statement, or even a way to say 'that is enough' or 'stop' during a conflict.
- If you use Salut to say 'hello', you are also using a word that can mean 'salvation' or 'salutary' in a religious or formal context. It is a versatile term that moved from the sacred to the casual.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, comment ça va ? Tu as passé une bonne journée ?Hello, how are you? Did you have a good day?
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo meet at a cafe.
- ChloéBonjour, comment ça va ?Hello, how are you?
- HugoÇa va très bien, merci !I am doing very well, thank you!
- ChloéJe suis contente de te voir.I am happy to see you.
- HugoMoi aussi, Chloé.Me too, Chloé.
