What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of todo (everything), está (is – temporary state) and bien (well/good).
Which one should you use?
While todo está bien means a situation is going well or is satisfactory, the phrase todo es bueno would imply that every single thing in existence possesses the quality of being 'good'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the informal expression Todo está chido is used to mean that everything is cool or great. In Spain, the informal phrase Todo va bien is commonly used to mean everything is going well and Todo está de cine is used to mean everything is working out perfectly.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the verb estar (to be in a state) rather than ser (to be an inherent characteristic), which is why está is used to describe the current status of a situation.
When do people say it?
In casual conversation, native speakers often drop the verb está and simply say Todo bien to mean 'Everything is fine' or 'All good'.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, todo bien is used as both a question and an answer in a single greeting exchange.
- While todo está bien is a general statement, using the phrase todo bien with a rising intonation can function as a way to ask if someone is offended or upset.
- In some regions, todo bien is used sarcastically to indicate that things are actually going very poorly.
Examples in context
- Todo está bien, gracias.Everything is good, thank you.
- Todo está genial, ¡gracias!Everything is great, thanks!
- Todo está chidoEverything is cool.
- No te preocupes, todo está bien.Don't worry, everything is good.
- Gracias por preguntar, todo está bien aquí.Thanks for asking, everything is good here.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are checking their travel plans.
- SofíaJavier, ¿tienes los boletos?Javier, do you have the tickets?
- JavierSí, los tengo aquí.Yes, I have them here.
- Sofía¿Y la reserva del hotel?And the hotel reservation?
- JavierSí, todo está bien.Yes, everything is good.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
