Com estàs?
In Catalan, "how are you?" is expressed as Com estàs?
Com estàs? is a common greeting used to ask someone about their health or general well-being. Other ways to ask how someone is include Com va tot?, which means "How is everything going?" or Com li va?, which is a formal way to ask "How is it going?"
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Com estàs? is composed of com (how) and estàs (you are, which is the second person singular of the verb estar).
Which one should you use?
While Com estàs? is used when addressing one person in an informal or familiar setting, you can also use Què tal? as an informal way to say "How's it going?"
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask "How are you?" to more than one person, or to address a single person formally, you use the plural or formal version of the verb estar, which is Com esteu?
When do people say it?
A common response to Com estàs? is Bé, gràcies, meaning "Fine, thanks."
Did you know?
- While English speakers often use 'How are you?' as a passing greeting without expecting a real answer, a Catalan speaker might respond to Com estàs? with a genuine, detailed description of their health or mood.
- The verb used in Com estàs?, estar, is a 'temporary' verb in Catalan, meaning it is used specifically for states that can change, like health or location, unlike the verb for permanent essence.
- While Com estàs? asks about health, using the phrase Què tal? is often treated more like a 'hello' than a genuine question, frequently receiving no answer at all.
Examples in context
- Com està vostè? Espero que estigui molt bé.How are you? I hope you're doing well.
- Com li va? Espere que tot vagi bé.How is it going? I hope everything is going well.
- Com estàs? Fa temps que no ens veiem!How are you? It's been a while since we've seen each other!
- Què tal? Et veig molt content avui.How's it going? I see you're very happy today.
- Hola, Anna, com estàs?Hello, Anna, how are you?
Example conversation
Anna and Jordi meet for a coffee at a cafe.
- AnnaHola, Jordi, com estàs?Hello, Jordi, how are you?
- JordiMoltes gràcies, estic molt bé.Thanks a lot, I am very well.
- AnnaEm alegra molt saber-ho.I am very glad to hear that.
- JordiI tu, com vas?And you, how are you doing?
