Which one should you use?
The default form Hola, ¿cómo estás? uses the informal conjugation, making it appropriate for friends, family or people your own age. In contrast, the form Hola, ¿cómo está? is used when addressing someone with formal respect, such as a boss, an elder or a stranger.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, ¿Qué tal? is commonly used instead of ¿cómo estás? as a more casual way to say hello and ask how someone is doing.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of two or more people, use the plural form ¿cómo están? instead of the singular. To show formal respect, use ¿cómo está? instead of the informal ¿cómo estás?
When do people say it?
In certain regions of Latin America, people tend to greet each other with a kiss on the cheek, especially between friends or people of the same gender. When someone greets you, a common way to respond is Bien, gracias followed by ¿Y tú? to return the question informally.
Did you know?
- The word hola may have originated as a command to stop or pay attention, similar to the French expression 'holà' used to hail a ferryman.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase is often accompanied by a 'dos besos' or two-kiss greeting, though usually only one kiss is actually given in Spain.
Examples in context
- Buenos días, ¿cómo está usted? Espero que esté teniendo un excelente día.Good morning, how are you? I hope you're having an excellent day.
- Hola, ¿cómo estás? ¿Qué tal tu día?Hello, how are you? How's your day going?
- ¡Mucho gusto! ¿Cómo te ha ido? Espero que estés bien.Nice to meet you! How have you been? I hope you're well.
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hello, how are you?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cómo, hola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
