Estoy bien
/estoi bjen/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "I am fine" is Estoy bien.
Estoy bien is a common way to say "I am fine" to indicate that you are healthy or in a good state of mind. You can modify the level of wellness by using other phrases: Estoy bastante bien means "I am quite fine", while the neutral expressions Estoy así así and Estoy regular both mean "I am so-so" or "I am okay".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word estoy is the first-person singular present indicative of the verb estar, which is used for temporary states or conditions like being fine.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use soy to say you are fine. soy is used for permanent characteristics, whereas estoy must be used for states or moods.
When do people say it?
When responding to 'How are you?', it is common to follow Estoy bien with a question to return the politeness.
Did you know?
- While Estoy bien means you are fine, if you say Estoy bueno, you might accidentally communicate that you are 'tasty' or 'attractive' in a sexual way.
- The adverb bien is a direct descendant of the Latin word bene, which is the source of many English words like 'beneficial'.
- The phrase Estoy bien can be used to tell a waiter you have had enough food. In this context, it functions as a polite way to say 'I am satisfied' or 'No more, thank you'.
Examples in context
- Estoy bien, ¿y vos?I am fine, and you?This sentence shows how to return the question using Estoy bien.Tatoeba #1708402 by hayastan, translation #872223 by japegon
- Estoy bien, gracias.I am fine, thank you.This sentence shows how to use Estoy bien with a thank you.Tatoeba #493008 by Shishir, translation #926934 by zvaigzne
- Ustedes son muy amables, pero estoy bien.You are very kind, but I am fine.This sentence shows how to use Estoy bien to decline an offer of help.Tatoeba #11229793 by mutskt, translation #11229794 by mutskt
- Entonces, ¿cómo te sientes? – Estoy bien, gracias.So, how are you feeling? – I am fine, thank you.
- Doctor, ¿cómo se encuentra usted? – Me encuentro bien, gracias.Doctor, how are you feeling? – I am fine, thank you.
- ¿Y tú? – Estoy muy bien, ¡gracias!And you? – I am doing very well, thank you!
- ¿Cómo amaneciste hoy? – Me encuentro muy bien, gracias.How did you wake up today? – I feel very good, thank you.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier meet at a coffee shop.
- María¿Cómo estás, Javier?How are you, Javier?
- JavierEstoy bien, María. ¿Y tú?I am fine, María. And you?
- MaríaTambién estoy bien, gracias.I am also fine, thanks.
- JavierMe alegro mucho.I am very glad.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
