Zer moduz?
The English phrase "how are you?" is translated into Basque as Zer moduz?
Zer moduz? is a common greeting used to ask someone about their current well-being or general state.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Zer moduz? literally translates to "What mode?" or "In what way?"
Which one should you use?
Zer moduz? is a more casual and common way to ask how someone is compared to more formal inquiries regarding a person's health or specific state.
When do people say it?
A common response to Zer moduz? is Ondo, eta zu?, which means "Fine and you?"
Did you know?
- Basque is a language isolate, meaning Zer moduz? is written and spoken in a language that has no known relationship to any other living language on Earth.
- Because Basque is an agglutinative language, the simple greeting Zer moduz? is a rare example of a very short phrase compared to the long, complex words often found in the language.
- The word moduz is related to the concept of a way or a path, suggesting that 'how are you' is asking which path your life is currently taking.
Examples in context
- Kaixo, zer moduz zaude?Hi, how are you?
- Egun on, nola dago?Good morning, how are you?
- Zer moduz?How are you?
Example conversation
Ane and Gaizka meet by chance on the street.
- AneKaixo Gaizka, zer moduz?Hi Gaizka, how are you?
- GaizkaOso ondo, eta zu?Very well, and you?
- AneNi ere ondo nago.I am also doing well.
- GaizkaPozteko zu ikustea!Nice to see you!
