How to Say “How Are You?” in French Slang
The textbook version is “Comment ça va ?” or “Comment allez-vous ?” (formal).
But in spoken French, especially among friends, people rarely say it this way.
Instead, you’ll hear a whole range of slangy, casual alternatives.
1. Ça va ?
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Meaning: “How’s it going?”
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Usage: The simplest, most common version. Used everywhere, from friends to colleagues.
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Example:
– Salut ! Ça va ?
– Oui, et toi ?
2. Ça roule ? 🚗
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Literal meaning: “Is it rolling?”
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Equivalent: “All good?” / “Everything okay?”
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Example:
– Yo, ça roule ?
– Tranquille !
3. Ça gaze ? 💨
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Literal meaning: “Is it gassing?” (old slang, playful)
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Equivalent: “How’s it going?”
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Example:
– Salut, ça gaze ?
– Ouais, nickel !
4. Ça boume ? 🎉 (retro)
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Meaning: “How’s life?” (old-fashioned slang, a bit ironic today)
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Usage: More jokingly used by older people or in a playful mood.
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Example:
– Salut mon pote, ça boume ?
5. Quoi de neuf ? 🆕
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Meaning: “What’s new?”
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Equivalent: Like “What’s up?”
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Example:
– Hey, quoi de neuf ?
– Pas grand-chose, et toi ?
6. Tu vas bien ? 🙂
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Meaning: “Are you doing well?”
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Usage: Friendly, caring tone, a bit more personal.
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Example:
– Salut Julie, tu vas bien ?
– Oui, super, merci.
7. Tranquille ? 😎
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Literal meaning: “Chill?”
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Equivalent: “All good?”
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Usage: Very slangy, especially with younger people.
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Example:
– Yo, tranquille ?
– Ouais, tranquille !
Quick Recap
Instead of the standard “Comment ça va ?”, you can try:
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Ça va ?
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Ça roule ?
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Ça gaze ?
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Ça boume ?
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Quoi de neuf ?
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Tu vas bien ?
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Tranquille ?
👉 These will make you sound much more natural and authentic in everyday French conversations.
✅ Practice Task: Write 3 different greetings in French slang using these expressions. Example: Salut, ça roule ?
Useful link: How to Say “Goodbye” in French Slang 