Comment allez-vous aujourd'hui ?
The English phrase "how are you doing today?" is translated into French as Comment allez-vous aujourd'hui ?
This phrase is a polite greeting used to ask someone about their current mood or well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "How go you today?" because the French verb aller (to go) is used to express a person's state of being or health.
Which one should you use?
While Comment allez-vous aujourd'hui ? is the formal option, Comment vas-tu aujourd'hui ? is the informal version used when speaking to friends or family.
How does it change in a sentence?
The use of the pronoun vous in Comment allez-vous aujourd'hui ? makes this a formal or polite way to address one or more people.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to use the verb être (to be) to translate this phrase, such as saying Comment êtes-vous aujourd'hui ? In French, you must use aller (to go) instead.
When do people say it?
A common and polite response to this question is Je vais bien, merci.
Did you know?
- The word aujourd'hui is a linguistic fossil that literally means 'on the day of today'.
- French has a distinct 'tu' and 'vous' system that can create a social 'barrier', and switching from vous to tu usually requires a mutual agreement called 'tutoyement'.
- In very casual settings, the entire phrase Comment allez-vous ? is often dropped in favor of a simple Ça va ?, which acts as both the question and the answer.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, comment allez-vous aujourd'hui ?Hello, how are you doing today?
- Madame, comment allez-vous aujourd'hui ?Madam, how are you doing today?
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon meet at the office.
- LucasBonjour Manon, comment allez-vous aujourd'hui ?Hello Manon, how are you doing today?
- ManonJe vais très bien, merci Lucas.I am doing very well, thank you Lucas.
- LucasC'est parfait. On commence la réunion ?That is perfect. Shall we start the meeting?
- ManonOui, je suis prête.Yes, I am ready.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aujourd'hui, comment, CC BY-SA 4.0.
