What does it mean word for word?
The component ça va literally translates to "it goes".
Which one should you use?
While Ça va ? is an informal way to ask how someone is, Comment allez-vous ? is the formal version used to ask "How are you?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Salut, ça va ? is an informal way to greet someone and ask how they are. For a formal greeting, you should use Bonjour, comment allez-vous ?, which means "Good day, how are you?"
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the question Ça va ? is formed by using the same words as the statement Ça va but with rising intonation.
When do people say it?
A common response to Salut, ça va ? is Ça va, et toi ? (It's going (well) and you?). Other related phrases include Coucou for an informal "Hi" or "Hey", and Coucou, comment ça va ? for "Hey, how are you doing?" You can also use Et toi to mean "And you?" or respond with super bien to say "great!"
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Salut, ça va ? Moi, ça va.Hi, are you okay? As for me, I'm fine.
- Salut, ça va ? Tu as passé une bonne journée ?Hi, are you doing well? Did you have a good day?
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas meet at a cafe.
- EmmaSalut, ça va ?Hi, how are you?
- LucasÇa va bien, et toi ?I'm doing well, and you?
- EmmaÇa va très bien, merci !I'm doing very well, thanks!
- LucasSuper, on commande un café ?Great, shall we order a coffee?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries salut, va, ça, CC BY-SA 4.0.
