What does it mean word for word?
The part comment vas-tu literally translates to 'how go you', because the verb aller (to go) is used in French to express a state of being.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase salut, comment vas-tu is informal and uses the singular tu form, making it suitable for friends, family or peers. For a more formal situation, you should use Bonjour, comment allez-vous?, which uses the formal pronoun vous. If you want to use an old-fashioned and formal expression for 'Good day', you can use Bien le bonjour. For a very casual 'hey' or 'hi', you can also use Coucou.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the question comment vas-tu, the subject tu is inverted with the verb vas to form the question.
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to this greeting is Ça va, et toi ?, which means 'It's going well and you?'
Did you know?
- The word coucou is a form of hi often used with children or very close friends and is named after the sound of the cuckoo bird.
- The word salut is a linguistic multitasker because it is used both to say 'hi' and to say 'bye' in casual settings.
- When using salut, French speakers often accompany the word with a light wave or a 'bise' (a kiss on the cheek) depending on the region and relationship.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, comment ça va?Hello, how are you?
- Salut, ça va?Hi, how are you?
- Salut, comment vas-tu aujourd'hui ?Hi, how are you today?
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé meet at a cafe.
- LucasSalut, comment vas-tu, Chloé ?Hi, how are you, Chloé?
- ChloéÇa va très bien, merci Lucas !I'm doing very well, thanks Lucas!
- LucasJe suis content de l'apprendre.I am glad to hear that.
- ChloéEt toi, tout se passe bien ?And you, is everything going well?
