Hola, ¿cómo estás?
everyday, Mexico
In Mexico you can say Hola, ¿cómo estás? to almost anyone your age. With friends ¿Qué onda, cómo andas? is common, and for someone older or a stranger use Hola, ¿cómo está usted? It is also called Hola, ¿cómo te va?
Meaning: greeting with a question about well-being (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| Hola, ¿cómo estás? | everyday, Mexico |
| ¿Qué onda, cómo andas? | casual, slang |
| Hola, ¿cómo está usted? | formal |
| Hola, ¿cómo te va? | everyday |
Greetings in Mexico often come in two parts. The first is Hola or Buenos días, and the question follows right after. The usual reply is Bien, gracias, ¿y tú?
Which one should you use?
¿Cómo andas? asks "how are you getting along?" and is warmer and more casual than ¿Cómo estás?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Usted shows respect and is normal with elders, officials and people you just met. Tú is fine with friends and peers.
Did you know?
- Mexicans often add don or doña before the first name of an older person as a sign of respect.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hi, how are you?
- Buenas tardes, ¿cómo está usted?Good afternoon, how are you?
- ¿Qué onda, cómo andas?What's up, how are you doing?
Example conversation
Paty runs into her neighbor don Raúl on the street in Mexico City.
- PatyBuenos días, don Raúl. ¿Cómo está usted?Good morning, don Raúl. How are you?
- Don RaúlBien, gracias, Paty. ¿Y tú?Fine, thanks, Paty. And you?
- PatyMuy bien, gracias.Very well, thanks.
