Which one should you use?
While Как дела? is a common, idiomatic way to ask how someone is, the more literal Как ты? focuses more on the person's state than their general situation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Привет, как дела? is informal. When addressing elders, superiors or strangers, you should replace it with the formal Здравствуйте, как у вас дела? Another polite and formal option is Добрый день, как поживаете?, which means "Good day, how are you doing?"
Is it said differently in some regions?
The informal greeting Привет, как поживаешь? is commonly used in Moscow and other parts of Central Russia.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Как дела?, the word дела is the plural form of дело (meaning affair, matter or business), so the phrase literally asks "How are the affairs?"
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to Как дела? is Хорошо, спасибо. (Good, thank you).
Did you know?
- If you ask Как дела? to a Russian speaker, do not be surprised if they actually start telling you about their problems. Unlike in English, where 'how are you' is often a hollow greeting, this question can invite a genuine, detailed report on one's life circumstances.
- In Russian culture, responding to Как дела? with an overly enthusiastic 'Great!' can sometimes be seen as boastful or suspicious, leading many to prefer a more modest response.
- In some social circles, a common response to Как дела? is Нормально, which means 'normal'. This is often used to signal that things are neither particularly good nor bad, but acceptable.
Example conversation
Sergey meets Olga on the street.
- Ольга OlgaПривет, как дела?Privet, kak dela?Hey, how are you?
- Сергей SergeyПривет, Ольга. Всё хорошо, спасибо.Privet, Olga. Vsyo khorosho, spasibo.Hey, Olga. Everything is good, thanks.
- Ольга OlgaЯ очень рада это слышать.Ya ochen' rada eto slyshat'.I am very glad to hear that.
- Сергей SergeyА у тебя как?A u tebya kak?And how about you?
