Tudo bem?
everyday, Brazil
Brazilians usually ask "how are you?" with Tudo bem?, which literally means "all well?" The full question is Como você está? and a classic option is Como vai?
Meaning: question about someone's well-being (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Tudo bem? | everyday, Brazil |
| Como vai? | neutral |
| Como você está? | full question |
Tudo bem? is used on first meeting and every day after. The answer is normally Tudo bem or Tudo bom, often followed by e você?
Which one should you use?
Como você está? asks about how you feel right now and is a bit more serious. Como vai? is shorter and works in almost any setting.
How do you pronounce it?
Say tudo bem roughly as "TOO-doo bayn", with a nasal ending on bem.
Did you know?
- In Brazil o senhor and a senhora are respectful ways to say "you" to older people, even to grandparents in many families.
Examples in context
- Tudo bem com você?Are you doing well?
- Como você está hoje?How are you today?
- Como vai a sua família?How is your family?
Example conversation
Felipe asks his grandfather Seu Antônio how he feels after a doctor visit in Porto Alegre.
- FelipeVô, como o senhor está?Grandpa, how are you?
- AntônioEstou bem, meu filho.I am well, my boy.
- FelipeO médico disse o quê?What did the doctor say?
- AntônioQue está tudo certo.That everything is fine.
