When someone greets you in French with «Salut, ça va ?», you have several natural ways to answer. In this workshop you will hear short recorded replies, learn what each one means in English, and then practice choosing and saying the right response. You will also practice returning the question using the full recorded line «Ça va, merci. Et toi ?». All French examples come from the recordings, and you can replay them as often as you like. Use the answer keys to check yourself.
Three common replies and what they mean
The safest reply for any situation is «Ça va, merci.». In English this means 'I'm fine, thanks.' The word 'merci' here works as a softener rather than a literal thank you. If you feel a little more positive, you can say «Très bien, merci.», which means 'Very well, thanks.' This works in both casual and formal settings. A more relaxed option is «Pas mal.», meaning 'Not bad.' It is understated and common among friends. If you want to be honest without complaining, you can say «Un peu fatigué.», which means 'A bit tired.' A female speaker would say 'fatiguée' instead. Notice that these replies are short and easy to say. You do not need a long sentence to sound natural.
Returning the question
After you answer, it is polite to ask the other person how they are. The full recorded line «Ça va, merci. Et toi ?» models a casual answer followed by 'And you?'. In a formal situation or when speaking to more than one person, use the corresponding formal or plural form; this lesson focuses practice on the recorded casual line. Repeat the full recording rather than inventing a new combination. This keeps the exchange going and shows interest in the other person.
A short exchange to listen for
In the recording «Salut, ça va ?», one speaker greets the other with a casual 'Hi, how are you?' The reply in «Ça va, merci. Et toi ?» answers and returns the question. Then the first speaker gives a more detailed answer in «Pas mal. Un peu fatigué, mais ça va.», saying 'Not bad. A bit tired, but okay.' Finally, the other person responds with a kind suggestion in «Bon, repose-toi bien.», which means 'Well, get some rest.' This short exchange shows how a simple greeting can lead to a longer, warmer conversation. Listen to the recordings a few times and notice the rhythm. The replies are short, the tone is friendly, and the question is returned naturally.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
Ça va, merci.
I'm fine, thanks.
sah vah, mehr-see
Très bien, merci.
Very well, thanks.
treh byɛ̃, mehr-see
Pas mal.
Not bad.
pah mahl
Un peu fatigué.
A bit tired.
œ̃ pø fah-tee-gay
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
Salut, ça va ?
Hi, how are you?Ça va, merci. Et toi ?
I'm fine, thanks. And you?Pas mal. Un peu fatigué, mais ça va.
Not bad. A bit tired, but okay.Bon, repose-toi bien.
Well, get some rest.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Choose the right reply
Imagine a friend greets you casually with «Salut, ça va ?». You want to answer that you are fine and then return the question. You have learned several possible replies.
Your task: Listen to «Ça va, merci.», «Très bien, merci.», and «Pas mal.». Which one is the most neutral and safe reply for any situation? Say your chosen reply out loud, then repeat the full recorded return-question line «Ça va, merci. Et toi ?».
Understand the reply you hear
Imagine you greet a French-speaking acquaintance with «Salut, ça va ?» and they answer. You need to understand their reply to continue the conversation.
Your task: Listen to «Pas mal.» and «Un peu fatigué.». What does each reply mean in English? After listening, decide which reply means 'Not bad' and which means 'A bit tired.' Then choose the correct response: if someone says «Un peu fatigué.», what could you say to show care? Use the idea from «Bon, repose-toi bien.» if you remember it.
Recall and role-play both sides
Imagine a short exchange between two people. One person greets casually, the other answers and returns the question, then the first person gives a more detailed answer, and the second person responds with a kind suggestion.
Your task: Without looking at the recordings, try to remember the lines from «Salut, ça va ?», «Ça va, merci. Et toi ?», «Pas mal. Un peu fatigué, mais ça va.», and «Bon, repose-toi bien.». Say the whole exchange out loud, playing both roles. Then check yourself by replaying the recordings. Did you remember the order correctly? Did you use the right words for each role?
Common questions
Can I use 'Ça va, merci' with anyone?
Yes, «Ça va, merci.» is neutral and works in almost any situation, whether you are speaking to a friend, a colleague, or someone you just met. It is short, polite, and natural. The 'merci' softens the reply and does not necessarily mean you are thanking them for something specific.
How do I return the question after a casual reply?
Repeat the full recorded line «Ça va, merci. Et toi ?». It means 'I'm fine, thanks. And you?' and shows the casual pattern used in this lesson. In a formal or plural situation, use the corresponding formal form rather than inventing a new line here.
Sources and further reading
- french: respond to how are youChecked September 2026
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