What to Say Instead of “Comment allez-vous?” in French

If you’ve started learning French, chances are “Comment allez-vous ?” was one of the first phrases you were taught. It’s polite, correct, and commonly used—especially in formal situations. But in everyday conversation, especially among friends, family, or people your age, it can sound a little stiff or overly formal.

So, what are the alternatives? In this blog post, we’ll look at more natural, casual, or context-appropriate ways to ask someone how they are in French, and when to use each one.

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1. Ça va ? – The Classic Casual Greeting

This is by far the most common alternative.

• ✅ Use with: friends, peers, people your age

• ❌ Avoid with: in very formal situations or with someone you just met in a professional setting

Examples:

• Salut, ça va ?

• Hé, ça va toi ?

💡 Bonus: It’s also the reply!

— Ça va ?
— Oui, ça va. Et toi ?

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2. Tu vas bien ? – Friendly and Caring

A slightly more personal version of “ça va ?”, often used when you’re genuinely checking in on someone.

• ✅ Use with: friends, family, romantic partners

• ❌ Avoid with: super formal contexts

Examples:

• Coucou, tu vas bien ?

• Alors, tu vas bien depuis l’autre jour ?

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3. Quoi de neuf ? – “What’s new?”

Literally: “What’s new?” This one is more conversational and informal. It doesn’t necessarily expect a deep response.

• ✅ Use with: friends, colleagues you’re close to

• ❌ Avoid with: in formal or professional emails

Examples:

• Salut ! Quoi de neuf ?

• Hé, long time no see ! Quoi de neuf ?

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4. Comment tu vas ? – Relaxed and Warm

This is the informal version of “Comment allez-vous ?” and sounds much more natural in daily speech.

• ✅ Use with: anyone you would say “tu” to

• ❌ Avoid with: someone you use “vous” with

Examples:

• Dis-moi, comment tu vas en ce moment ?

• Comment tu vas depuis l’accident ?

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5. Comment ça va ? – Neutral and Versatile

A bit more complete than just “ça va ?”, this version sits comfortably between formal and informal. You can use it in most everyday situations.

• ✅ Use with: colleagues, acquaintances, even people you don’t know well

• ❌ Avoid with: very formal written French

Examples:

• Bonjour, comment ça va aujourd’hui ?

• Eh bien, comment ça va depuis la dernière fois ?

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6. Tout va bien ? – Checking In

This phrase shows concern or care. It’s perfect if you suspect the person might not be doing great or if you’re checking in after an event.

• ✅ Use with: friends, family, even colleagues

• ❌ Avoid with: initial greetings (more of a follow-up)

Examples:

• J’ai vu ton message, tout va bien ?

• Tu avais l’air fatigué hier, tout va bien ?

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Summary Table

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Final Thoughts

While “Comment allez-vous ?” is perfectly correct, knowing when to switch to a more natural alternative can make your French sound much more authentic. It also helps you connect better with native speakers—after all, language is as much about tone and context as it is about grammar.

So next time you’re about to say “Comment allez-vous ?”, ask yourself: Could I make this more relaxed or friendly?