"How do you say “How are you?” in French?"
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French offers several ways to ask “How are you?”—choose the form that matches the level of formality you need.
Quick Facts
- Formal: **Comment allez‑vous ?**
- Informal: **Comment vas‑tu ?**, **Comment ça va ?**, **Ça va ?**
- Simple replies: **Ça va**, **Ça va bien**
AI Consensus
Models Agreed
- The formal way to ask “How are you?” in French is Comment allez‑vous ?.
- Informal options include Comment vas‑tu ?, Comment ça va ?, and Ça va ?.
- Simple replies can be Ça va or Ça va bien.
Points of Debate
- No substantive disagreements; the models differ only in presentation style.
How to Say “How are you?” in French
When you want to ask someone “How are you?” in French, the phrasing you choose depends on how formal or informal the situation is.
Formal
| Phrase | When to use |
|---|---|
| Comment allez‑vous ? | With strangers, elders, or in polite/professional contexts. |
| Vous allez bien ? | A slightly more conversational but still respectful way to ask if someone is doing well. |
Informal / Everyday
| Phrase | When to use |
|---|---|
| Comment vas‑tu ? | With friends, peers, or anyone you address with “tu”. |
| Comment ça va ? | The most common casual greeting; works in most informal settings. |
| Ça va ? | Shortened version of the above, very colloquial. |
| Tu vas bien ? | Direct informal check on someone’s wellbeing. |
| Ça va bien ? | Informal way to ask “Are you doing well?” |
Typical Replies
- Ça va – “I’m fine.”
- Ça va bien – “I’m very fine / doing well.”
- Très bien, merci – “Very well, thank you.”
Cultural Note
In French culture, asking Comment ça va ? often carries a genuine interest in the other person’s state, unlike the English “How are you?” which can be a mere courtesy 6.
Quick Reference Table
| Formal | Informal | Everyday |
|---|---|---|
| Comment allez‑vous ? | Comment vas‑tu ? | Comment ça va ? / Ça va ? |
| Vous allez bien ? | Tu vas bien ? | Ça va bien ? |
Use the version that best fits your relationship with the listener.