What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'How are you?' where cómo means 'how', está is the third-person singular form of 'to be' (state) and usted is the formal 'you'.
Which one should you use?
While both ¿cómo está usted? and ¿cómo estás? mean 'How are you?', the latter is the informal version. Use ¿cómo estás? with friends, family or people your age, whereas ¿cómo está usted? is reserved for formal situations or showing respect to elders and strangers.
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun usted is grammatically treated as a third-person singular subject, which is why the verb estar takes the form está instead of estás.
When do people say it?
When someone greets you with ¿cómo está usted?, a common and polite way to respond is Muy bien, gracias (Very well, thank you).
Did you know?
- The formal 'you' in usted is a contraction of the phrase vuestra merced, which literally means 'your mercy'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, using usted with a family member is a sign of deep respect rather than a sign of distance.
- Depending on the region, using usted in a situation where tú is expected can be perceived as a way to create a cold or emotional distance.
Examples in context
- Buenas tardes, ¿cómo está usted?Good afternoon, how are you?
Example conversation
Lucía meets her former professor, Alejandro, at a conference.
- LucíaHola, profesor, ¿cómo está usted?Hello, professor, how are you?
- AlejandroMuy bien, Lucía, gracias por preguntar.Very well, Lucía, thank you for asking.
- LucíaMe alegra mucho saberlo.I am very glad to hear that.
- AlejandroIgualmente, es un gusto verla.Likewise, it is a pleasure to see you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cómo, usted, CC BY-SA 4.0.
