What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'how go you today' because the verb aller (to go) is used to express state of being/health.
Which one should you use?
Use comment allez-vous aujourd'hui instead of comment vas-tu aujourd'hui when speaking to a stranger, a superior or a group of people. For a more sophisticated way to ask how someone is feeling or doing, you can use comment vous portez-vous aujourd'hui? If you want to inquire specifically about how someone's day is going thus far, use comment se passe votre journée jusqu'à présent?
How does it change in a sentence?
The form comment vas-tu aujourd'hui uses the informal tu pronoun, which should only be used with friends, family or children.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not say comment es-tu aujourd'hui. English speakers often mistakenly use the verb être (to be) to ask how someone is, but in French, you must use the verb aller (to go).
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to this question is Je vais bien, merci (I am doing well, thank you).
Did you know?
- The word aujourd'hui is actually a tiny sentence that was squashed together over time. It evolved from the phrase meaning 'on the day of today'.
- In very casual settings, French speakers often drop the comment vas-tu entirely and simply say ça va, to which the answer is often the exact same ça va.
- In some French-speaking cultures, asking comment vas-tu is a genuine inquiry into health rather than a passing polite greeting.
Examples in context
- Comment vas-tu aujourd'hui ?How are you today?This sentence demonstrates the use of comment vas-tu aujourd'hui.Tatoeba #8433 by Archibald, translation #388255 by Dorenda
- Bonjour Monsieur, comment allez-vous aujourd'hui?Good morning sir, how are you today?
- Bonjour Madame, comment vous portez-vous aujourd'hui?Good morning ma'am, how are you feeling today?
- Salut Pierre, comment ça va aujourd'hui?Hey Pierre, how's it going today?
- Salut Marie, ça va bien aujourd'hui?Hey Marie, everything going well today?
- Bonjour mon cher ami, tu vas bien aujourd'hui?Hello my dear friend, are you doing well today?
- Dis-moi, comment vas-tu aujourd'hui ?Tell me, how are you today?
- Salut Emma, comment vas-tu aujourd'hui ?Hi Emma, how are you today?
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas meet at a cafe.
- EmmaSalut Lucas, comment vas-tu aujourd'hui ?Hi Lucas, how are you today?
- LucasJe vais très bien, merci Emma.I am doing very well, thank you Emma.
- EmmaC'est super ! Tu as l'air en forme.That's great! You look in good shape.
- LucasOui, j'ai passé une bonne nuit.Yes, I had a good night.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aujourd'hui, comment, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
