Hola, ¿cómo estás?
The English phrase 'hello how are you doing' is translated into Spanish as Hola, ¿cómo estás?
This phrase is a common greeting used to ask someone about their current well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cómo literally means 'how' and is used to initiate the question about well-being.
Which one should you use?
Use ¿Cómo estás? when speaking to friends, family or people your own age.
When do people say it?
A common response to this greeting is Bien, gracias. ¿Y tú? (Fine, thanks. And you?).
Did you know?
- The word hola may have originated as a shout to get someone's attention, such as hailing a ferryman, rather than as a friendly greeting.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the greeting ¿cómo estás? is often used as a polite 'filler' in conversation rather than a genuine inquiry into your medical or emotional state.
- If you are in a very formal setting, such as a business meeting or speaking to an elder, you should switch from ¿cómo estás? to ¿cómo está usted? to show respect.
Examples in context
- Muy bien, gracias.Very well, thank you.
- ¡Excelente! Gracias por preguntar.Excellent! Thanks for asking.
- Me siento bastante bien, ¿y usted?I'm feeling quite good, and you?
- Bien, gracias, ¿y usted?Fine, thank you, and you?
- Todo bien, gracias.All good, thanks.
- ¡Genial! ¿Y tú?Great! And you?
- ¡Mejor que nunca! ¿Cómo te va?Better than ever! How about you?
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hello, how are you?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cómo, hola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
