bonjour, comment allez-vous ?
bonjour, comment allez-vous ? is the French way to say hello, how are you?
This phrase is a polite greeting used to start a conversation and ask about someone's well-being. The term bonjour serves as a hello or good day. In France, it is considered impolite to start any interaction, such as ordering in a shop, without first saying bonjour.
What does it mean word for word?
The word bonjour is a combination of bon (good) and jour (day).
Which one should you use?
Bonjour, comment allez-vous ? is the formal version, while Salut, ça va ? is the informal equivalent used with friends and family. For a more informal and friendly tone, you can also use Coucou, comment ça va? or Salut, comment tu vas?
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase comment allez-vous ? uses the formal vous pronoun, making it appropriate for strangers or superiors. To ask the same question informally, you use the tu form: comment vas-tu ?
When do people say it?
When someone asks you comment allez-vous ?, a standard polite response is Très bien, merci. Et vous ? (Very well, thank you. And you?).
Did you know?
- In many French-speaking parts of Africa, greeting someone with a prolonged 'bonjour' and asking about their family is a vital social ritual that can last several minutes before any business is discussed.
- While 'bonjour' is the standard, some regions in Quebec might use 'allô' as a common way to say hello in person, whereas in France 'allô' is strictly used for answering the telephone.
- In very formal French, the phrase comment allez-vous ? literally asks 'how are you going?', treating well-being as a journey or movement.
Example conversation
Chloé meets Gabriel at a professional conference.
- ChloéBonjour, comment allez-vous ?Hello, how are you?
- GabrielJe vais très bien, merci.I am doing very well, thank you.
- ChloéC'est un plaisir de vous voir.It is a pleasure to see you.
- GabrielMerci, moi aussi.Thank you, me too.
