How to Say “Hi, How Are You Doing” in French

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salut, comment ça va ?
The English phrase "hi, how are you doing" translates to French as salut, comment ça va ?
This phrase is an informal greeting used to ask someone about their current well-being. Other common ways to achieve this include Salut, ça va ?, which is an informal way to say "Hi, how's it going?" or Coucou, comment ça va ? when greeting close acquaintances or friends. You might also use Bonjour, comment tu vas ? to greet someone with an informal tone.

What does it mean word for word?

The part ça va literally means "it goes" or "it is going".

Which one should you use?

While salut, comment ça va ? is an informal option, you should use the formal version Comment allez-vous ? when speaking to strangers or superiors.

How does it change in a sentence?

In spoken French, the phrase ça va is versatile and can function as both the question "How are you?" and the answer "I am doing well".

When do people say it?

When greeting friends or family in France, it is customary to exchange kisses on the cheek, with the number of kisses ranging from one to four depending on the region. In professional or formal settings, a simple handshake is more common. To show respect, it is considered polite to address older people as Madame or Monsieur. A common response to the question comment ça va ? is Ça va bien, merci.

Did you know?

  • In some French regions, the greeting salut is used not only to say 'hello' but also as a way to say 'goodbye'.
  • The word va comes from the Latin verb 'vadere', which is the same root found in the English word 'evade', meaning to go away or escape.
  • In very fast spoken French, comment ça va ? is often shortened even further, with the ment in comment being dropped entirely.

Examples in context

  • Salut, ça va ? J'ai passé une bonne journée au parc. Et toi ?
    Hi, how are you doing? I had a great day at the park. And you?
  • Coucou, comment ça va ? Il fait beau aujourd'hui, n'est-ce pas ?
    Hey, how are you? It's a beautiful day today, isn't it?
  • Bonjour, comment tu vas ? Je voulais t'appeler hier soir, mais j'ai oublié.
    Hello, how are you? I meant to call you last night, but I forgot.
  • Bonjour, comment allez-vous ? J'espère que vous avez passé une bonne journée.
    Hello, how are you? I hope you had a good day.

Example conversation

Manon and Lucas meet at a cafe.

  1. Manon

    Salut, comment ça va ?
    Hi, how are you doing?
  2. Lucas

    Ça va très bien, et toi ?
    I'm doing very well, and you?
  3. Manon

    Ça va, merci.
    I'm doing okay, thanks.
  4. Lucas

    C'est super, Manon.
    That's great, Manon.

Sources

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Sienna Bessie
Sienna BessieHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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