How to Say “How Did It Go?” in French

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comment ça s'est passé ?
In French, "how did it go?" is expressed as comment ça s'est passé ?
This phrase is used as a question to ask about the outcome or the experience of an event that has already happened. You can also use C'était comment? as a laid-back way to ask "How was it?", or Comment s'est déroulé(e) [l'événement]? when asking specifically how a particular event unfolded.

What does it mean word for word?

Literally, comment ça s'est passé ? translates to "how that itself passed?"

Which one should you use?

While comment ça s'est passé ? is a standard way to ask the question, Comment cela s'est-il passé? serves as a common and neutral alternative. In informal settings, Comment ça a été? is a very common and versatile option and you might start a question with Alors, comment ça s'est passé? to add a friendly and approachable vibe.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

The use of ça makes comment ça s'est passé ? either informal or neutral. For very formal contexts, it is better to use Comment cela s'est-il passé? In casual environments, Comment ça a été? and C'était comment? are frequently used.

How does it change in a sentence?

The phrase comment ça s'est passé ? uses the passé composé tense to refer to an event that has been completed in the past.

Did you know?

  • The word ça used in comment ça s'est passé ? is actually a calque of the German word Es, which functions as a neutral pronoun.
  • In very casual spoken French, the phrase comment ça s'est passé ? is often shortened to just alors, ça s'est passé comment ? by moving the question word to the end.
  • The formal version Comment cela s'est-il passé ? uses an 'inverted' structure that is almost never used in spoken conversation, only in writing or high-level speeches.

Examples in context

  • 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?
  • 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?
  • Ton entretien ? Comment ça s'est passé ?
    Your interview? How did it go?
  • Dis-moi, comment ça s'est passé ?
    Tell me, how did it go?

Example conversation

Lucas asks Chloé about her job interview.

  1. Lucas

    Salut Chloé, comment ça s'est passé ?
    Hi Chloé, how did it go?
  2. Chloé

    C'était super, je pense qu'ils m'aiment !
    It was great, I think they like me!
  3. Lucas

    C'est génial, je suis content pour toi.
    That's awesome, I'm happy for you.
  4. Chloé

    Merci beaucoup, Lucas !
    Thank you very much, Lucas!

Sources

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Bobby Harold
Bobby HaroldHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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