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How to Say ‘How have you been?’ in French

Ça va bien depuis la dernière fois ?

💬 Usage Tip: A more detailed way to check on someone says 'how have you been since we last met?'.

🇫🇷 In France: Implies you remember the last encounter, adding a personal touch.

Phrase Breakdown

Ça

va

bien

Depuis la dernière fois ?

Word-by-Word Breakdown

Ça

[sah]

This

Refers to 'this' or 'that' in a general sense.

Example

Je crois que 'ça' va mieux maintenant.

I think 'it's' going better now.

va

[vah]

goes

A form of the verb 'to go'.

Example

Le temps 'va' vite.

Time 'goes' quickly.

bien

[byeh]

well

Indicates a good or satisfactory state.

Example

Il se porte 'bien' en général.

He is generally doing 'well'.

depuis

[duh-pwee]

since

Indicates a point in time from which things are considered.

Example

'Depuis' longtemps, il veut visiter Paris.

'Since' a long time ago, he has wanted to visit Paris.

la

[lah]

the

Definite article used before a noun to specify it as something previously considered.

Example

Je vais à 'la' fête demain.

I am going to 'the' party tomorrow.

dernière

[dehr-nyer]

last

Done, occurring, or coming at the end of a series or after a period of time.

Example

Notre rencontre 'dernière' était amusante.

Our 'last' meeting was fun.

fois

[fwah]

time

A point or period when something occurs.

Example

Chaque 'fois' qu'il vient, il apporte du chocolat.

Every 'time' he comes, he brings chocolate.

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