What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I go very well" because the French verb aller (to go) is used to express how a person is doing or their state of health.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Swiss French, you may hear the informal expression Je vais super bien to convey that you are doing great.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can adjust the intensity of your response by changing the adverb. For example, removing très from je vais très bien results in je vais bien, which means "I am doing well" rather than "very well".
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying je suis très bien to mean you are doing well. In French, je suis bien typically refers to being physically comfortable, such as being well-placed in a seat or a specific situation, rather than describing your general state of being or health.
When do people say it?
When someone asks how you are, it is polite to return the question. In a polite or formal context, you should follow your response with Et vous ? (And you?). In an informal context with friends or family, you should follow up with Et toi ? (And you?).
Did you know?
- The verb vais comes from the Latin 'vadō', which is the distant ancestor of the English word 'evade'. Both words share the idea of moving or escaping through an action.
Examples in context
- Je vais très bien, merci beaucoup.I am doing very well, thank you very much.
- Depuis que j'ai commencé mon nouveau travail, je vais très bien.Since I started my new job, I am doing very well.
- Ne t'inquiète pas pour moi, je vais très bien.Don't worry about me, I am doing very well.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé meet in a café.
- NathanSalut Chloé, comment vas-tu ?Hi Chloé, how are you doing?
- ChloéJe vais très bien, merci Nathan !I am doing very well, thank you Nathan!
- NathanC'est super d'entendre ça.That is great to hear.
- ChloéEt toi, ça va ?And you, are you doing okay?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, je, très, vais, CC BY-SA 4.0.
