Quid agis?
In Latin, "how are you doing?" is translated as Quid agis?
Quid agis? is a common greeting used to ask someone about their current well-being or situation. It can be used to greet someone informally regardless of whether you are actually inquiring about their well-being. While it serves as a standard greeting for well-being, it is more focused on one's current activity or state than a purely social "How are you?"
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Quid agis? means "What are you doing?"
How does it change in a sentence?
Quid agis? is the singular form, used when speaking to one person. If you are addressing more than one person or wish to use a formal tone, use Quid agitis? instead.
When do people say it?
A common response to Quid agis? is Bene ago, which means "I am doing well". You can add respect by addressing a male with Domine or a female with Domina at the beginning of the sentence.
Did you know?
- The verb agis in Quid agis? is the same word used to describe driving cattle or leading an army, suggesting that your 'well-being' is viewed as a way of managing or driving your life.
- Because agis can also mean 'to behave', Quid agis? can subtly carry the connotation of 'How are you behaving?' in certain contexts.
- The word quid is a distant relative of the Greek word tí, both tracing back to the same ancient Proto-Indo-European roots.
Examples in context
- Optime ago, gratiasI'm doing very well, thank you
- Non satis bene, sed spero meliorem diem futurum esse.Not very well, but I hope for a better day to come.
- Salve, Maria! Quid agis?Hi, Maria! How are you doing?
- Bene sum, gratias!I'm doing well, thank you!
- Heus, quid agis, frater?Hey, how are you doing, brother?
- Optime! Et tu?Great! And you?
Example conversation
Marcus meets Lucia in a garden.
- MarcusSalve, Lucia! Quid agis?Hello, Lucia! How are you doing?
- LuciaSalve, Marce. Bene est.Hello, Marcus. I am well.
- MarcusLaetus sum te videre.I am happy to see you.
- LuciaEt ego te videre laeta sum.And I am happy to see you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries quid, CC BY-SA 4.0.
