¿Cómo está usted?
The English phrase "how are you? (formal)" is translated into Spanish as ¿Cómo está usted?
¿Cómo está usted? Is a common formal way to ask "How are you?" in Spanish. It is used to inquire about someone's well-being in professional or polite contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cómo (how), está (is) and usted (you, formal).
When do people say it?
When someone asks you this, a common polite response to maintain the formal register is Muy bien, gracias. ¿Y usted? (Very well, thank you. And you?).
Did you know?
- In certain regions of Colombia, usted is used even between close friends or romantic partners, regardless of the formal grammar it triggers.
- The formal word usted actually traces back to the phrase vuestra merced, which means 'your mercy'.
- Using usted with someone who expects tú can sometimes be perceived as creating a cold, emotional distance rather than showing respect.
Examples in context
- Buenos días, ¿cómo está usted?Good morning, how are you?
- Es un placer verla, ¿cómo está usted?It is a pleasure to see you, how are you?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena meet for a business appointment.
- AlejandroBuenas tardes, señora Elena. ¿Cómo está usted?Good afternoon, Ms. Elena. How are you?
- ElenaEstoy muy bien, gracias. ¿Y usted?I am very well, thank you. And you?
- AlejandroMuy bien también, gracias por preguntar.Very well too, thanks for asking.
- ElenaDe nada. Pasemos a la oficina.You're welcome. Let's go to the office.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cómo, usted, CC BY-SA 4.0.
