How to Say ‘How have you been?’ in French
Comment allez-vous ?
koh-MAHN ah-lay voo
[koh-MAHN ah-lay voo]
💬 Usage Tip: The verb and subject flip around in [allez-vous], which is a common way to make a polite question in French. You can reuse the pattern with other verbs: [Avez-vous des nouvelles ?]
🇫🇷 In France: [Comment allez-vous ?] is polite and a bit more formal than everyday [Ça va ?]. It fits well with in-laws unless you are already on very relaxed [tu] terms.
Phrase Breakdown
Comment
[koh-MAHN]
how
Question word used to ask about someone's condition or situation.
Comment se passe votre semaine avec les enfants ?
How is your week going with the children?
allez
[ah-lay]
are going / are
From the verb aller; in this expression it means 'how are you.'
Vous allez bien après le voyage ?
Are you well after the trip?
-vous
[voo]
you
Formal or plural 'you,' attached after the verb in an inverted question.
Quand partez-vous après le week-end ?
When are you leaving after the weekend?
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