🇫🇷 French phrases

How to Say "What's up?" in French

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Ça va ?
"What's up?" in French · say it like sah vah

The most natural way to say "What's up?" in French is Ça va ?. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Quoi de neuf ?
used to ask what's new or what's happening
Comment ça va ?
a more formal way to ask how someone is doing

When to use it

You can use 'Ça va ?' when greeting friends or acquaintances. It's informal and friendly. It's a great way to check in on someone without being too formal.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "What's up?" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in French

FrenchEnglish
Salut, ça va ?Hi, how are you?
Common mistake
Learners often say 'Comment ça va ?' in very casual situations, which can feel too formal.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Ça va ?, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking French with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'Ça va ?' appropriate for all situations?

It's best for informal settings; for formal situations, use 'Comment allez-vous ?'.

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