“Ça va sans dire” — Meaning & Usage

Ça va sans dire means “That goes without saying” or “It’s obvious.” It’s used to state something so self-evident that saying it aloud almost feels unnecessary — but it’s said anyway, often for emphasis or courtesy.

Literal breakdown Ça (that) + va (goes) + sans dire (without saying) → “that goes without saying”

Pronunciation: Ça va sans dire is pronounced as sah vah sahn deer

When to Use It Typically added after a statement to underline how obvious the point is:

• Bien sûr que je vais t’aider, ça va sans dire. — Of course I’ll help you, that goes without saying.

It can also stand alone as a short reply when someone states the obvious:

• “Tu vas venir à la fête?” / “Ça va sans dire!” — “You’re coming to the party?” / “Obviously!”

Register Neutral to slightly formal. Common in both spoken and written French — appears in conversation, articles, and business writing alike.

Close Alternatives

• Évidemment — Obviously
• Bien entendu — Of course
• C’est évident — It’s obvious