What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down into cómo, which means "how" and estás, which means "you are". The verb estás is the second-person singular conjugation of estar, a verb used to describe temporary states such as well-being.
Which one should you use?
Use ¿cómo está usted? for a single person in a formal context, and ¿cómo están? when addressing a group of two or more people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The choice of form depends on the level of formality and the number of people you are addressing: ¿cómo estás? is for informal singular, ¿cómo está usted? is for formal singular and ¿cómo están? is for plural.
When do people say it?
When someone asks you ¿cómo estás?, a common and polite response is Bien, gracias. If you want to respond informally, you might say Genial to mean "great or awesome" or No tan bien to mean "not so well". In a formal setting, you can say Me encuentro muy bien, ¿y usted? to mean "I am doing very well and you?"
Did you know?
- In some regions, people avoid the direct ¿cómo estás? and instead ask ¿qué cuentas?, which literally means 'what are you counting?' It is used to ask what news or stories the other person has to share.
- In some regions like Mexico, you might hear ¿Cómo andas?, which literally means 'how are you walking?' but is used to mean 'how are you doing?'
- In many Latin American countries, the formal ¿cómo está usted? is used even among family members or friends as a sign of deep respect or affection.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás? – ¡Bien, gracias! ¿Y tú?Hi! How are you? – Good, thank you! And you?
- ¡Hola! ¿Cómo te va? – ¡Genial, gracias!Hi! How's it going? – Great, thank you!
- ¿Cómo estás hoy? – Más o menos, gracias.How are you today? – Okay, thanks.
- ¿Qué tal? ¿Cómo te sientes? – No tan bien, pero mejorando.What's up? How are you feeling? – Not so well, but getting better.
- ¿Cómo estás hoy?How are you today?
- Oye, ¿cómo estás?Hey, how are you?
Example conversation
Daniel runs into Lucía at a local café.
- Daniel¡Hola, Lucía! ¿Cómo estás?Hi, Lucía! How are you?
- LucíaMuy bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?Very well, thank you. And you?
- DanielEstoy muy feliz hoy.I am very happy today.
- LucíaMe alegro mucho por ti.I am very glad for you.
