What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "How that goes?" where comment is "how", ça is "that" and va is the third-person singular of aller (to go).
Which one should you use?
While Comment ça va ? is common and informal, Comment allez-vous ? is the standard way to ask "how are you?" when using the formal vous or addressing a group. In informal settings, you might also use Comment tu vas? for "how are you?" or the shorter Ça va? to mean "are you okay?" For more specific inquiries, Comment vous sentez-vous? means "how do you feel?" and Comment se passe votre journée? means "how is your day going?" in formal settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Comment ça va ? is used in an informal setting. A highly common, shortened and informal version used among friends and peers is Ça va?, which can mean "How's it going?" or "You good?" In formal settings, you should use Comment allez-vous? to say "how are you?", Comment vous sentez-vous? to ask "how do you feel?" or Comment se passe votre journée? to ask "how is your day going?"
When do people say it?
A very common response to Comment ça va ? is simply repeating the phrase back as a statement: Ça va. (It's going well/I'm fine).
Did you know?
- Using Comment allez-vous ? is not just about formality but is mandatory when addressing a group of people, even if they are close friends.
- The verb va in this phrase comes from the Latin vādō, which has historically meant 'to go' or 'to move' in a continuous sense.
- While 'how are you' in English is often a real question, in many French social contexts, answering Ça va? is a polite ritual that does not always require a deep or honest answer.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, comment allez-vous?Hello, how are you?
- Bonjour, je vais bien, merci. Et vous?Hello, I'm fine, thank you. And you?
- Salut, ça va?Hi, how are you?
- Salut, ça va bien, merci. Et toi?Hi, I'm fine, thank you. And you?
- Ça va, merci.I'm good, thank you.
- Comment ça va ?How are you?
Example conversation
Gabriel meets Chloé on the street.
- GabrielSalut Chloé, comment ça va ?Hi Chloé, how are you?
- ChloéÇa va bien, merci, et toi ?I'm doing well, thanks, and you?
- GabrielJe vais très bien.I am doing very well.
- ChloéC'est super !That's great!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comment, va, ça, CC BY-SA 4.0.
