What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'how goes your family?' because the verb va is the third-person singular of aller (to go).
Which one should you use?
The default form comment va ta famille ? uses the informal possessive adjective ta, making it suitable for friends and family. You can also say comment va ta petite famille? to ask 'how is your little family?' in an informal setting. If you choose to use the word proches (loved ones/relatives) instead of famille, the verb must change to the plural vont as in comment vont tes proches ?
How does it change in a sentence?
If you use proches instead, the verb must be the plural vont. For formality, use votre instead of ta when speaking to someone you do not know well or in a professional setting.
When do people say it?
When someone asks this question, a common response is Elle va bien, merci. because famille is a feminine singular noun, so the feminine pronoun elle is used to refer back to it.
Did you know?
- The word famille traces its roots back to the Latin familia, which originally referred to a household or a group of servants and slaves rather than just blood relatives.
- In French culture, asking comment va ta famille ? is often viewed as a more sincere gesture of interest than a general greeting. Depending on the closeness of the relationship, it can signal a transition from polite small talk to a deeper personal conversation.
Examples in context
- Salut, comment va ta famille ?Hi, how is your family?
- Dis-moi, comment va ta famille ?Tell me, how is your family?
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a café.
- LucasSalut Chloé, comment va ta famille ?Hi Chloé, how is your family?
- ChloéTout le monde va bien, merci.Everyone is doing well, thank you.
- LucasC'est une bonne nouvelle !That is good news!
- ChloéEt toi, comment vas-tu ?And you, how are you?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comment, famille, ta, va, CC BY-SA 4.0.
