bien, ¿y tú?
/ˈbjen i ˈtu/word by word
The English phrase "good, wbu" is translated into Spanish as bien, ¿y tú?
This phrase is an informal response to a greeting. It communicates that the speaker is doing well and then asks the other person how they are doing in return.
Which one should you use?
While bien, ¿y tú? is used in casual settings, you should use bien, ¿y usted? if you are speaking to someone in a formal setting or to someone to whom you would use the formal usted.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bien, ¿y tú? is the standard informal way to respond to "How are you?" among friends or peers. In contrast, formal greetings like Buenos días (Good morning, used until around noon) and Buenas tardes (Good afternoon, used from noon until early evening) set a more polite tone.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbjen i ˈtu/
Did you know?
- The word tú is a direct linguistic cousin to the archaic English word 'thou'. Both words evolved from the same ancient roots used to address people informally.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, responding bien is a social ritual rather than a status report. People often say it even on bad days to avoid burdening others.
- In parts of Spain, people may omit the bien entirely and simply respond with ¿y tú? This shorthand social cue implies 'I am fine, but let us focus on you'.
Examples in context
- Buenos días, ¿cómo está usted?Good morning, how are you?
- Buenas, ¿qué tal?Hi, how are you?
- ¿Cómo estás? – Bien, ¿y tú?How are you? – Good, and you?
- Todo bien, ¿y tú?Everything is good, and you?
- Muy bien, ¿y tú?Very well, and you?
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a cafe.
- Elena¿HOLA! ¿Cómo estás?Hello! How are you?
- AlejandroBien, ¿y tú?Good, and you?
- ElenaYo también estoy bien.I am doing well too.
- Alejandro¿Qué quieres beber, Elena?What do you want to drink, Elena?
