tu vas bien
In French, "you're fine" is expressed as tu vas bien.
This phrase is used to state that someone is in good health or doing well. It specifically refers to a person's state of well-being. Note that it is not used to describe a person's quality or character, such as saying someone is "fine" in the sense of being acceptable or adequate.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "you go well" because it uses the verb aller (to go) to describe a person's state of being.
Did you know?
- In French, using tu vas bien with a stranger or a superior can be seen as overly familiar or even rude, as the tu form is reserved for friends and family.
- The word vas in this expression shares the same Latin ancestor, 'vadis', as the English word 'evade'.
- Depending on the intonation, tu vas bien can shift from a statement of fact to a question without changing any words or adding a question mark in speech.
Examples in context
- Tu vas bien.You're fine.This sentence shows the basic statement of being fine.Tatoeba #4654043 by sacredceltic, translation #2202857 by CK
- Bien, tu vas bien.Good, you're fine.This sentence uses the phrase to confirm someone is doing well.Tatoeba #8223528 by josivangoncalves, translation #8223455 by josivangoncalves
- Content de savoir que tu vas bien.Glad to know you're fine.This sentence expresses happiness regarding the fact that you are fine.Tatoeba #8223530 by josivangoncalves, translation #8223451 by josivangoncalves
- Ça roule?How's it going?
- Ouais, tranquille, merci!Yeah, all good, thanks!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are chatting on the phone.
- LucasSalut Léa, tu vas bien ?Hi Léa, are you doing well?
- LéaOui, je vais très bien, merci.Yes, I am doing very well, thank you.
- LucasC'est super, je suis content pour toi.That's great, I'm happy for you.
- LéaEt toi, Lucas, tu vas bien ?And you, Lucas, are you doing well?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, tu, vas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
