Which one should you use?
The default form ¿cómo estás? is informal. In contrast, more formal options include ¿cómo está usted?, which is a common way to say "How are you?" in Spain and Latin America or ¿cómo se encuentra usted?, which means "How are you?" or "How are you feeling?" You can also use the polite expression ¿cómo le va? to ask "How is it going for you?" or "How are things with you?" For a more casual tone, ¿qué tal? serves as a colloquial alternative meaning "How's it going?"
Is it said differently in some regions?
Regional variations include ¿qué pasa?, which is frequently used among friends in Spain to mean "What's up?" or "How's it going?" In Argentina, you may hear the expression ¿cómo andas? In Mexico, the phrase ¿cómo te va en la vida? is used to mean "How are things going in life?"
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the verb changes based on whom you are addressing: use ¿cómo está? when addressing someone with respect or in a formal setting, ¿cómo estás? for a single person in an informal setting and ¿cómo están? when addressing more than one person.
When do people say it?
When someone greets you with these phrases, a standard and polite way to respond is Bien, gracias, which means "Fine, thanks."
Did you know?
- In parts of Mexico, you might hear the phrase ¿qué onda?, which literally translates to 'what wave?' It is a very popular, informal way to ask 'how are you doing?' or 'what's up?' among young people.
- The Argentinian variation ¿cómo andas? literally translates to 'how are you walking?' It uses the verb for walking to describe the general flow of one's life.
- If you use the formal ¿cómo está usted? with a close friend or a child, it can actually sound sarcastic or mockingly polite, as if you are suddenly treating them like a stranger or a superior.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hello, how are you doing?
- No te he visto, ¿cómo estás?I haven't seen you, how are you doing?
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel run into each other at a cafe.
- Elena¡Hola, Daniel! ¿Cómo estás?Hi, Daniel! How are you doing?
- DanielMuy bien, Elena. ¿Y tú?Very well, Elena. And you?
- ElenaTodo bien, gracias.Everything is good, thanks.
- DanielMe alegra mucho.I am very glad.
