A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "How are you" in French
The standard French way to ask 'how are you?' – versatile for most everyday interactions.
Comment ça va ?
koh-MAHN sah VAHneutral
French TTS · 0:01
This is your go-to for checking in with people you know, like friends, colleagues, or shopkeepers you see regularly. It's a polite way to start a conversation after an initial greeting.
Alternatives
- Ça va ?Even more casual, often used between close friends.
- Comment allez-vous ?More formal, best for strangers, elders, or in very official situations.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 't' in 'comment'
The 't' in 'comment' is silent; it's pronounced 'koh-mahn'.
Ignoring the nasal vowel in 'va'
The 'a' in 'va' is not a pure 'ah' sound; it's a nasal vowel, similar to the 'on' in 'song' but shorter.
A small cultural note
While 'Comment ça va ?' is widely understood, some regions or older generations might prefer 'Comment allez-vous?' even in less formal contexts.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to answer 'Comment ça va?'
A simple 'Ça va bien, merci' (I'm doing well, thanks) is standard. You can also add 'Et vous?' (And you?) or 'Et toi?' (And you? - informal).
Is 'Comment ça va?' too informal for a shopkeeper?
It's generally fine for most shopkeepers you interact with regularly. For a first encounter or a very formal shop, 'Comment allez-vous?' might be safer.
What's the difference between 'ça va' and 'comment ça va?'
'Ça va?' is a very brief, casual way of asking 'How's it going?' or 'Are you okay?'. 'Comment ça va?' is a slightly more complete, standard question.
