What does it mean word for word?
The phrase comment ça va ? literally translates to "how that goes?"
Which one should you use?
While comment ça va ? is more impersonal and focuses on the situation ("it"), Comment vas-tu ? is a more direct way to ask how someone is doing by using the informal "tu".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal settings, such as when speaking to a stranger, a superior or a group of people, you should use Comment allez-vous ? For professional or business contexts where you wish to express specific concern for someone's well-being, you can use Comment vous portez-vous ? In casual conversation, the phrase is often shortened to just Ça va ? Other informal options include Comment tu vas ?, used with people of equal social status or younger people and Tu vas bien ?, which asks if someone is doing well.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ça va is versatile and can be used both as a question meaning "How is it going?" and as an answer meaning "It is going" or "I am doing well".
When do people say it?
A standard and polite response to comment ça va ? is Ça va bien, merci.
Did you know?
- The verb va comes from the Latin verb vādō, which means 'to go'. This is why, in French, you do not 'be' well, you 'go' well.
- If you want to be extremely formal, you can use Comment vous portez-vous ? This uses the verb 'porter', which relates to how one 'carries' oneself or one's health.
- While Comment allez-vous ? is the standard formal greeting, using it with a close friend can sometimes sound sarcastic or overly distant.
Examples in context
- Salut, comment ça va ?Hi, how are you doing?
- Dis-moi, comment ça va ?Tell me, how are you doing?
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo meet at a local cafe.
- EmmaSalut Hugo, comment ça va ?Hi Hugo, how are you doing?
- HugoÇa va bien, merci Emma.I am doing well, thanks Emma.
- EmmaTu as passé une bonne journée ?Did you have a good day?
- HugoOui, c'était très calme.Yes, it was very calm.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comment, va, ça, CC BY-SA 4.0.
