What does it mean word for word?
The phrase comment allez-vous ? literally means "how go you ?", composed of comment (how), allez (go/are going) and vous (you).
Which one should you use?
Comment allez-vous ? is used when you are speaking to a stranger, a superior or a group of people. For friends, peers or children, you should use the informal versions comment vas-tu ? or ça va ?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Comment allez-vous ? is a formal expression used to show politeness and respect. In casual, everyday conversation, ça va ? is a much more common way to ask how someone is doing. For a very casual tone, you can use the colloquial expression comment ça roule?, which translates to "how's it rolling?"
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec French, you might hear the phrase comment tu vas?
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the informal version of the phrase, the verb aller is conjugated for tu instead of vous, resulting in comment vas-tu ? Additionally, in written French, ensure the first letter of the sentence is capitalized.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying comment êtes-vous ? While English speakers often try to use the verb être (to be) to ask about health, in French, you must use the verb aller (to go).
When do people say it?
A standard polite response to comment allez-vous ? is Je vais bien, merci. (I am doing well, thank you.).
Did you know?
- In some formal contexts, French speakers may answer comment allez-vous ? by saying Je me porte bien, which literally means 'I carry myself well'.
- In France, responding to comment allez-vous ? with too much honesty about your problems can be seen as a breach of social etiquette unless you are very close to the person.
- The informal ça va ? is so versatile that it can be both the question 'how are you?' and the answer 'it is going fine' simultaneously.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, comment allez-vous ?Hello, how are you?
- Monsieur, comment allez-vous ?Sir, how are you?
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma meet at a formal business reception.
- NathanBonsoir Emma, comment allez-vous ?Good evening Emma, how are you?
- EmmaJe vais très bien, merci Nathan.I am doing very well, thank you Nathan.
- NathanC'est un plaisir de vous voir.It is a pleasure to see you.
- EmmaLe plaisir est partagé.The pleasure is mine.
