Greetings, language enthusiast! If you’re looking to add another phrase to your French repertoire, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say “How did it go?” in French, covering both formal and informal ways to express this question. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “How Did It Go?” in French
When using the French language in formal contexts or with people you don’t know well, it’s important to maintain a level of politeness. Here are a few ways you can ask “How did it go?” formally:
- Comment cela s’est-il passé? – The most common and neutral way to ask “How did it go?” is by using this phrase. It can be used in various situations and is considered appropriate for both personal and professional settings.
- Comment ça s’est passé? – This expression is slightly more informal than the previous one but can still be used in formal conversations.
- Comment s’est déroulé(e) [l’événement]? – If you want to specify the event you are referring to, you can use this phrase, which translates to “How did [the event] unfold?” It adds a touch of formality and shows interest in the specific occasion.
Tip: When asking about a specific event, it’s essential to adjust the gender of the adjective “déroulé(e)” based on the gender of the event. For example, if you are referring to a masculine noun like “le concert,” you would say “Comment s’est déroulé le concert?”
Informal Ways to Say “How Did It Go?” in French
If you’re among friends, family, or in more casual situations, you can opt for a more relaxed tone when asking “How did it go?”. Here are a few expressions to convey informality:
- Comment ça a été? – This is a common and versatile way to ask “How did it go?” in informal settings. It can be used with people you know well or acquaintances.
- Alors, comment ça s’est passé? – By starting the question with “Alors” (so), you add a friendly and approachable vibe to the conversation. This phrase is a fantastic choice in informal contexts.
- C’était comment? – A more laid-back way of expressing “How did it go?” would be to ask “How was it?” using this phrase. It works wonderfully when catching up with peers after an event or outing.
Adding Regional Variations
In French, there are regional variations in expressions and accents, but when it comes to asking “How did it go?” the differences are minimal. Stick to the phrases mentioned earlier, and you’ll be well understood throughout the French-speaking world.
Example Conversations
Now that you know the different ways to say “How did it go?” in French, let’s take a look at a few example conversations to illustrate how these phrases can be used:
Formal Conversation:
Person A: Bonjour, comment cela s’est-il passé pour votre présentation?
(Hello, how did your presentation go?)
Person B: Merci de demander! Cela s’est très bien passé, j’ai eu de bons retours. Et vous, comment s’est déroulée votre réunion?
(Thanks for asking! It went really well, I received positive feedback. How did your meeting unfold?)
Informal Conversation:
Person A: Salut, comment ça a été ta soirée hier soir?
(Hey, how was your evening last night?)
Person B: C’était génial! Nous avons passé un excellent moment. Alors, comment ça s’est passé pour toi?
(It was fantastic! We had a great time. So, how did it go for you?)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned several ways to ask “How did it go?” in French. Remember to adapt your choice of phrase to the level of formality required by the situation. Whether you choose a formal expression like “Comment cela s’est-il passé?” or a more casual option such as “Comment ça a été?”, you’ll be able to initiate meaningful conversations and connect with French speakers.
A bientôt! (See you soon!)
