¿estás bien?
In Spanish, "are you good?" is said as ¿estás bien?
The phrase is used to ask if someone is feeling well or if they are okay after an accident or mishap.
Which one should you use?
While ¿estás bien? specifically asks if someone is well or okay, it should not be used to ask if someone is a "good person".
How does it change in a sentence?
Changing the verb from estás to está in the form ¿está bien? shifts the question from the informal "you" to the formal "you" or to "he/she/it". To ask a group of people if they are okay, use ¿están bien?
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using ¿eres bueno? to ask if someone is okay. The phrase ser bueno refers to being a good or virtuous person rather than a state of well-being.
When do people say it?
A standard response to the question is Sí, estoy bien. (Yes, I am well).
Did you know?
- While ¿Estás bien? is the standard way to check on someone, in many Spanish-speaking cultures, a person might respond to a mishap by saying No pasa nada, meaning 'nothing is happening' or 'no harm done'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, asking ¿estás bien? after a minor accident is often accompanied by a touch on the shoulder or arm to show empathy.
- The word bien shares a common ancestor with the Latin word bonus, which is the root of the English word 'good'.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola, señora! ¿Se encuentra bien?Hello, ma'am! Are you well?
- Doctor, ¿cómo se encuentra la paciente?Doctor, how is the patient doing?
- Hola Juan, ¿estás bien?Hi Juan, are you good?
- ¿Cómo estás, amiga?How are you, friend?
- Oye Carlos, ¿todo bien?Hey Carlos, everything good?
- Te veo pálida, ¿estás bien?You look pale, are you good?
- No te preocupes, ¿estás bien?Don't worry, are you alright?
Example conversation
Javier notices Elena looks upset after a long day.
- JavierElena, ¿estás bien?Elena, are you good?
- ElenaSí, solo estoy un poco cansada.Yes, I am just a little tired.
- JavierSi necesitas algo, dímelo.If you need anything, tell me.
- ElenaGracias, Javier, eres muy amable.Thanks, Javier, you are very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
