How to Say "So So" in French- Common Expressions

The Quick Answer

The most common way to say "so so" in French is "comme ci, comme ça". You pronounce it exactly how it looks: "kohm see, kohm sah."

That's it. That's the phrase. But if you want to sound less like a textbook and more like an actual French person, keep reading.

Why "Comme Ci, Comme Ça" Is Your Best Bet

This phrase works in basically every situation. Someone asks how your day was? Comme ci, comme ça. How's the food? Comme ci, comme ça. How's your French coming along? Comme ci, comme ça.

It translates literally to "like here, like there," which makes zero sense in English but everyone understands what you mean. The French don't care about literal translations. They care about whether you get the point across.

Other Ways to Say "So So" in French

Depending on context, you might want alternatives:

• "Moyennement" — means "moderately" or "not particularly." More casual than comme ci, comme ça. "Comment ça va ?" "Moyennement."
• "Bof" — pure slang. Shrug your shoulders when you say it. Expresses indifference or mild disappointment. "Le film était bien ?" "Bof."
• "À peu près" — means "more or less" or "approximately." Works when you're giving an estimate or describing something mediocre.
• "Ça peut aller" — "it can go" or "it could be worse." Definite middle-of-the-road answer.
• "Ni bien ni mal" — "neither well nor badly." Straightforward way to say things are average.
• "Plus ou moins" — "more or less." Same vibe as à peu près.
• "Tant bien que mal" — "so so" in the sense of "well enough, I guess." Implies something was difficult but you managed.

Comparing These Expressions

How to Use These in Real Conversation

Here's how actual French conversations go:

At a Restaurant

"La cuisine est bonne ?" "C'est comme ci, comme ça."

Don't expect waiters to give you the full "comme ci, comme ça" treatment. They'll usually just say "bof" or shrug.

Talking About Work or School

"Comment va le projet ?" "Ça peut aller, tant bien que mal."

This combo tells the listener you're struggling but making progress. Very French.

Responding to "Comment ça va ?"

The real test. Most people don't want your life story. Options:

• "Comme ci, comme ça." — Safe, universally understood
• "Moyennement." — Shorter, slightly more honest
• "Bof." — If you're feeling down and don't care who knows

What NOT to Say

"Pas mal" — Beginners often think this means "not bad" in a negative way. It doesn't. French people use it positively. If someone asks how something is and you say "pas mal," they'll assume you liked it.

"Comme ci comme ça" with the wrong pronunciation — Some people say "com-me-see, com-me-sah" too slowly. It sounds robotic. Say it fast, like one word: "com-say, com-sah."

The Cultural Reality

French people are honest to a fault when it comes to "so so." They won't pretend something is great if it's mediocre. If a French person says "comme ci, comme ça" about your French, they're telling you it's average. Accept it and move on.

The word "bof" is probably the most authentically French response to anything mediocre. It's dismissive, slightly rude, and completely normal. Use it with people you know won't be offended.

Quick Reference

• Need a safe, neutral answer? → Comme ci, comme ça
• Want to be brief? → Moyennement
• Feeling casual/dismissive? → Bof
• Describing something rough but functional? → Tant bien que mal

Start with "comme ci, comme ça." Add "bof" once you're comfortable. That's really all you need. 🎯