French Phrase
Ça va ?
Meaning
Literally ‘It goes?’, this short phrase is the most common informal way to ask someone how they are feeling or how things are going. It can also be used as a brief response meaning ‘I’m fine’.
When to use
Use it with friends, family, classmates, or anyone you’re on familiar terms with. It works both as an opening question and as a quick reply when you don’t want to give a detailed answer.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Çava?
Ça
Informal pronoun meaning 'that' or 'it', used here as a subject in a casual greeting.
va
Third‑person singular of the verb *aller* (to go); in this fixed expression it functions like 'how are you' rather than a literal 'goes'.
Question mark
Rising intonation in spoken French turns the statement into a question; the written '?' marks it.
🗨In Conversation
Salut ! Ça va ?
Hi! How are you?
Ça va, merci. Et toi ?
I’m fine, thanks. And you?
✕Common Mistakes
Ça vas ?
The verb *aller* is conjugated as *va* for third‑person singular; do not add an *s*.
Ça va bien ?
Adding *bien* changes the meaning to ‘Is it going well?’, which sounds odd as a greeting.
Sa va ?
Use the cedilla (ç) – *ça* – not *sa* (which means ‘that’ as a noun).
↔Alternatives
Comment ça va ?
How’s it going?
Tu vas bien ?
Are you doing well?
Comment vas‑tu ?
How are you? (more formal)
Cultural Tip
In France, a quick “Ça va ?” followed by a short “Ça va” is perfectly polite in everyday encounters. If you want to sound more formal or show extra courtesy, add *Comment allez‑vous ?* (plural or respectful). Avoid over‑explaining; the French appreciate brevity in casual greetings.