What does it mean word for word?
The phrase comment vas-tu, mon ami ? literally translates to "how go you, my friend?" because the verb aller (to go) is used in French to express well-being.
Which one should you use?
The default form comment vas-tu, mon ami ? uses the informal tu pronoun, which is appropriate for a friend. In contrast, if you are speaking to a stranger or a superior, you would use the polite form comment allez-vous, mon ami ?
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, you may hear the phrase Comment ça va, mon vieux? to mean "How is it going, my old friend?" In Quebec, Canada, friends might use Comment tu t'en sors, mon chum? to mean "How are you managing, my buddy?" or use Ça va-tu, mon ami? as a way to greet friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to a friend in a formal setting or using the polite form, the verb changes to comment allez-vous, mon ami ?
When do people say it?
A common response to this greeting is Ça va bien, merci (It's going well, thanks).
Did you know?
- While ami means 'friend', the word copain is derived from 'co-' meaning 'with' and 'pain' meaning 'bread', literally describing someone you share bread with.
- In Quebec, adding -tu to a question like Ça va-tu ? does not refer to a person, but is a common regional marker used to turn a statement into a question.
- While mon ami is a lovely sentiment, calling a stranger mon ami can sometimes sound overly dramatic or even condescending in certain Parisian social circles.
Examples in context
- Salut, comment vas-tu, mon ami ?Hi, how are you, my friend?
- Dis-moi, comment vas-tu, mon ami ?Tell me, how are you, my friend?
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a cafe.
- ChloéSalut Lucas ! Comment vas-tu, mon ami ?Hi Lucas! How are you, my friend?
- LucasJe vais très bien, merci Chloé.I am doing very well, thank you Chloé.
- ChloéJe suis contente de te voir.I am happy to see you.
- LucasMoi aussi, ça me fait plaisir.Me too, it is a pleasure.
