If you’re learning French, one of the first phrases you’ll want to know is “How are you?” It’s friendly, polite, and helps you connect with people easily.
In French, there are several ways to ask this question, depending on whether you’re speaking formally or casually. Some phrases sound polite and respectful, while others are relaxed and friendly.
Here’s a quick table showing the most common ways to say “How are you?” in French and what they mean in English.
16 Ways to Say “How are you?” in French
The most common way to say “How are you?” in French is “Comment vas-tu ?” for casual situations and “Comment allez-vous ?” for polite or formal ones. There are also many friendly and fun variations depending on who you’re speaking to.
| French Phrase | Meaning in English |
| Comment allez-vous ? | How are you? (formal) |
| Comment vas-tu ? | How are you? (informal) |
| Comment ça va ? | How’s it going? |
| Ça va ? | How are you? / You okay? |
| Vous allez bien ? | Are you well? (formal/plural) |
| Tu vas bien ? | Are you well? (informal) |
| Qu’est-ce que tu fais ? | What are you up to? |
| Qu’est-ce qui se passe ? | What’s happening? / What’s going on? |
| Quoi de beau ? | What’s good? / What’s new? |
| Ça gaze ? | Everything okay? (slang) |
| Ça roule ? | All good? / Things going well? |
| Ça baigne ? | Everything smooth? |
| Comment vous sentez-vous ? | How are you feeling? (formal) |
| Comment tu te sens ? | How are you feeling? (informal) |
| Qu’est-ce qui ne va pas ? | What’s wrong? |
| Ça ne va pas ? | Are you not okay? |
Common French Phrases to Ask “How Are You?”
The most common way to say “How are you?” in French is “Comment vas-tu ?” for casual situations and “Comment allez-vous ?” for polite or formal ones.
There are also many friendly and fun variations depending on who you’re speaking to.
1. Comment allez-vous ? (How are you?)
This is the most classic and polite way to ask “How are you?” in French.
You use it when talking to strangers, older people, or in formal situations.
Example:
– Bonjour Madame, comment allez-vous ?
(Good morning, Madam, how are you?)
It literally means “How are you going?” and sounds very respectful.
The informal version is Comment vas-tu ?, which you can use with friends or people your age.
2. Comment ça va ? (How’s it going?)
This is friendly, common, and fits most everyday situations.
It’s the go-to phrase among friends, colleagues, or classmates.
Example:
– Salut! Comment ça va ?
(Hi! How’s it going?)
It’s polite but relaxed — great for both casual and semi-formal conversations.
3. Ça va ? (How’s it going?)
A shorter and more casual version of Comment ça va?
It’s often just used as a greeting rather than a real question.
Example:
– Salut, ça va ?
(Hey, you good?)
Usually, people just reply with Ça va bien, merci! (I’m good, thanks!).
4. Vous allez bien ? / Tu vas bien ? (Are you well?)
These phrases show genuine interest in someone’s well-being.
Use vous allez bien for formal or plural situations, and tu vas bien with friends or family.
Example:
– Bonjour Paul, tu vas bien ?
(Hi Paul, are you doing well?)
They sound polite, caring, and slightly warmer than ça va ?.
5. Qu’est-ce que tu fais ? (What are you up to? / What are you doing?)
This isn’t a direct translation of “How are you?” but it’s often used to check in on someone casually.
Example:
– Salut, qu’est-ce que tu fais ?
(Hey, what are you up to?)
It’s a relaxed, friendly way to start a chat with someone you know well.
6. Qu’est-ce qui se passe ? (What’s happening?)
Use this phrase when something seems wrong or unusual.
It’s perfect when someone looks upset or distracted.
Example:
– Oh non, qu’est-ce qui se passe ?
(Oh no, what’s going on?)
It shows concern and care — not just curiosity.
7. Quoi de beau ? (What’s beautiful? / What’s new?)
This one sounds light and friendly.
It’s similar to saying “What’s new?” or “What’s good?” in English.
Example:
– Salut! Quoi de beau aujourd’hui ?
(Hey! What’s new today?)
It adds a happy, positive tone to your greeting — great with friends.
8. Ça gaze ? / Ça roule ? / Ça baigne ? (Everything okay? / All good?)
These are very casual and playful phrases often used between close friends.
They all mean roughly “Everything okay?” but each has a unique flavor:
- Ça gaze ? – Slang-ish and fun (literally “Is it gassing?”).
- Ça roule ? – “Is it rolling?” → “All good?”
- Ça baigne ? – “Is it swimming?” → “Everything smooth?”
Examples:
– Salut mec, ça roule ? (Hey dude, all good?)
– Oui, ça gaze ! (Yeah, everything’s fine!)
Use them only with people you know well.
9. Comment vous sentez-vous ? / Comment tu te sens ? (How are you feeling?)
This phrase focuses more on how someone feels emotionally or physically.
It’s often used after someone’s been sick, tired, or stressed.
Example:
– Comment vous sentez-vous après le voyage ?
(How are you feeling after the trip?)
It’s formal with vous and friendly with tu.
10. Qu’est-ce qui ne va pas ? (What’s wrong?)
This phrase is used when you notice someone is sad, upset, or quiet.
It literally means “What’s not going well?”
Example:
– Tu as l’air inquiet. Qu’est-ce qui ne va pas ?
(You look worried. What’s wrong?)
It shows care and sympathy rather than curiosity.
11. Ça ne va pas ? (Are you not okay?)
This is a softer way to ask if something’s wrong.
It’s the negative form of Ça va, so it means “Things not good?”
Example:
– Ça ne va pas ? Tu sembles fatigué.
(Are you not okay? You look tired.)
It’s casual but caring — best used with friends or family.
Want to Speak French Like a True Parisian?
Join our Small Group French Lessons in Paris and learn practical phrases, natural expressions, and everyday French that help you sound confident and local.
Conclusion
Knowing how to say “How are you?” in French helps you connect naturally and politely. Whether it’s “Comment allez-vous ?” for formal settings or “Ça va ?” among friends, choosing the right phrase shows cultural awareness and warmth.
Next time you talk to someone in French, pick the phrase that fits the moment and don’t forget to smile and say, “Et toi ?” (And you?).
The best ways to ask “how are you” in French and sound more fluent when speaking with natives.