comment es-tu ?
The English phrase "what are you like?" is translated into French as comment es-tu ?
This question is used to ask someone to describe their personality or general character.
Which one should you use?
You can also use the more descriptive phrase Comment êtes-vous comme personne ? to specifically ask "What are you like as a person?"
Did you know?
- If you ask a French speaker Comment es-tu ?, they might think you are asking for their physical condition or health rather than their personality. It is often more natural to ask Quel genre de personne es-tu ? to avoid this confusion.
- In French, the concept of personality is often linked to the word caractère, but describing someone as having un fort caractère can be a double-edged sword, meaning they are either strong-willed or difficult to get along with.
- French learners may be surprised to find that the word comment is not just a question word but can be used as an interjection to ask someone to repeat themselves, though this is sometimes considered abrupt or impolite.
Examples in context
- Comment êtes-vous comme personne ? Êtes-vous plutôt extraverti ou introverti ?What are you like as a person? Are you more extraverted or introverted?
- Comment tu es en tant que personne ? Tu es plutôt timide ou extraverti ?What are you like as a person? Are you more shy or outgoing?
- Je suis quelqu'un de très calme.I am a very calm person.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are getting to know each other.
- GabrielOn s'écrit beaucoup, mais comment es-tu ?We text a lot, but what are you like?
- LéaJe suis assez timide au début.I am quite shy at first.
- GabrielC'est intéressant, moi je suis très ouvert.That's interesting, I am very outgoing.
- LéaOn va bien s'entendre alors !We will get along well then!
