A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "How is your family" in French
Ask about the well-being of someone's family in French with this common, friendly phrase.
Comment va ta famille ?
koh-MAHN vah tah fah-MEEYcasual
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you've already established a friendly rapport with someone and want to show you care about more than just them. It's a natural follow-up after asking 'Comment ça va ?' or discussing personal matters.
Alternatives
- Comment va votre famille ?Use 'votre' when speaking to someone you'd address with 'vous', like a stranger or in a formal setting.
- Et la famille ?This is a very casual, quick way to ask, often used among close friends.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'famille' like 'family'
The 'ille' sound is like the 'ee' in 'see', not like the 'ly' in 'family'.
Forgetting the 't' liaison
In 'Comment va ta', the 't' in 'va' is often pronounced before 'ta' for smoother flow.
A small cultural note
In France, asking about family is a common way to deepen a connection, showing genuine interest beyond superficial conversation.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to ask about family if I use vous?
You would say 'Comment va votre famille ?' This is the polite or plural form, used for strangers or groups.
Is it rude to ask about family in French?
Not at all, it's a friendly gesture. It shows you're interested in the person's life beyond just them.
What's a more casual way to ask about family?
Among very close friends, you might just say 'Et la famille ?' which is a quick, informal check-in.
