Come stai?
The English phrase "how are you doing?" is translated into Italian as Come stai?
This phrase is a common greeting used to ask someone about their current well-being or general state of life. You may also use Come va? as a common, slightly more casual alternative that focuses more on how things are progressing generally.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Come literally means "how". The word stai is the second-person singular present tense of the verb stare, which means "to stay" or "to be" when used in the context of health or state.
Which one should you use?
While Come stai? is the standard informal version, Come va? serves as a more casual alternative. If you are addressing a group of two or more people, use Come state?
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of two or more people, the form changes to Come state?
When do people say it?
A standard, polite response to Come stai? is Bene, grazie. E tu?, which means "Fine, thanks. And you?"
Did you know?
- If you are feeling 'so-so', you can respond to Come stai? with Così così. This phrase is often accompanied by a specific gesture: tilting the hand back and forth.
- The word Come is a linguistic relative of the English word 'come' only by coincidence. It actually descends from the Late Latin quōmodo, meaning 'in what manner'.
- In a formal setting, you would never use Come stai? Instead, you must use Come sta?, dropping the final 'i' to signal respect and social distance to a stranger or superior.
Examples in context
- Sto bene, grazie! E lei?I'm well, thank you! And you?
- Ciao, come stai?Hi, how are you?
- Tutto bene, grazie! E tu?All good, thank you! And you?
- Dimmi, come stai?Tell me, how are you doing?
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia meet for coffee in a cafe.
- FrancescoCiao Sofia, come stai?Hi Sofia, how are you doing?
- SofiaSto bene, grazie. E tu?I'm doing well, thanks. And you?
- FrancescoTutto bene, grazie mille.Everything is fine, thanks a lot.
- SofiaSono felice di sentirlo.I am happy to hear that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries come, CC BY-SA 4.0.
