How to Say “What’s Up” in French: Formal and Informal Ways

Greetings are an essential part of any language, and knowing how to say “What’s up” in French can help you connect with French speakers on a more casual level. In this guide, you will discover both formal and informal expressions used to say “What’s up” in French, with tips, examples, and even a few regional variations.

1. Formal Expressions:

When addressing someone formally in French, it’s important to use respectful language. Here are a few ways to ask “What’s up” in a more formal setting:

• Comment allez-vous ? – This is the most common formal expression for “How are you?” and is used in more professional and polite situations. Literally translating to “How are you doing?”, it shows courtesy and respect.
• Comment ça va ? – While this phrase can be used both formally and informally, when used in a formal context, it becomes a respectful way to ask someone how they are doing. It translates to “How is it going?”
• Comment vous portez-vous ? – This expression is a more formal way to ask “How are you?” It’s commonly used in formal conversations or when addressing older people, authorities, or people you don’t know well.

Example: When meeting your professor, you can say, “Bonjour, Professeur! Comment allez-vous ?” (Hello, Professor! How are you?), or “Bonjour, comment vous portez-vous ?” (Hello, how are you?).

2. Informal Expressions:

If you’re in a more casual and familiar setting, like with friends or peers, you can use these informal expressions to say “What’s up” in French:

• Ça va ? – One of the most common ways to say “What’s up” in French. It is equivalent to the English “How’s it going?”. This expression is widely used among friends and acquaintances.
• Quoi de neuf ? – Literally translating to “What’s new?”, this expression is a popular way to ask what’s going on with someone in a more casual manner.
• Comment ça roule ? – This informal expression translates to “How’s it rolling?” and is commonly used among close friends.

Example: When meeting your friends, you can say, “Salut! Ça va ?” (Hi! How’s it going?) or “Quoi de neuf ?” (What’s new?).

3. Regional Variations:

French is spoken in numerous countries and regions, which has led to some regional variations in expressions. Below are a few variations to say “What’s up” in specific regions:

• Ça baigne ? – This informal expression is popular in France and can be used to ask “What’s up?”. It translates to “Is it bathing?” and is often used among friends.
• Quoi d’neuf ? – This variation, with the elision of the word “de,” is commonly heard in Canada, particularly in Quebec. It retains the same meaning as “What’s up” or “What’s new?”.
• Comment ça gaze ? – Another way to ask “What’s up?” in France is by using this colloquial expression. It literally translates to “How’s it gazing?” and is commonly heard in informal conversations.

Example: In Quebec, a Quebecois might say, “Salut! Quoi d’neuf ?” while a Parisian could say, “Salut! Ça baigne ?” to ask “What’s up?”

Conclusion

Now that you have learned different ways to say “What’s up” in French, both formally and informally, you’ll be able to greet people in various contexts. Remember to adapt your language and tone depending on the situation, and don’t hesitate to practice these expressions with French speakers. Utilize these phrases to enhance your interactions and build connections with French speakers around the world.