What does it mean word for word?
The phrase comment s'est passé ton voyage ? literally translates to "how passed itself your trip?" because it utilizes the reflexive verb se passer (to happen or to occur).
Which one should you use?
While comment s'est passé ton voyage ? focuses on how the trip went or unfolded, the more casual option Alors, comment c'était ton voyage ? functions as a way to ask "So, how was your trip?" Additionally, in casual conversation, you can simply turn the statement Ton voyage s'est bien passé ? into a question by raising your intonation at the end.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use ton for an informal singular subject and votre if you are speaking to a stranger, a superior or a group of people. The pronoun tu is used for informal situations and close friends, while vous is used for formal situations and people you do not know well.
When do people say it?
A common way to respond to this question is Ça s'est très bien passé. to indicate that the trip went smoothly.
Did you know?
- French has a related word viatique that shares the same Latin root as voyage but now refers to the final prayers or Eucharist given to a dying person for their 'last journey'.
- Depending on the region, a French speaker might respond to this question with C'était top !, using the English word 'top' to mean 'excellent'.
- If you want to sound like a native in a very casual setting, you might skip the formal structure entirely and simply say C'était comment ?, which sounds much more natural in a café than the full grammatical sentence.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, Monsieur Leblanc. Comment s'est passé votre voyage ?Hello, Mr. Leblanc. How was your trip?
- Salut Marie, comment s'est passé ton voyage ?Hi Marie, how was your trip?
- Dis-moi, comment s'est passé ton voyage ?Tell me, how was your trip?
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are catching up over coffee.
- EmmaSalut Nathan ! Comment s'est passé ton voyage ?Hi Nathan! How was your trip?
- NathanC'était incroyable, merci Emma.It was incredible, thanks Emma.
- EmmaTu as aimé les paysages ?Did you like the landscapes?
- NathanOui, c'était vraiment magnifique.Yes, it was truly magnificent.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comment, ton, voyage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
