¿Cómo estás?
neutral, vos or tú
In Guatemala you can ask ¿Cómo estás? to a friend and ¿Cómo está? to someone you address as usted. ¿Qué tal? is a casual option.
Meaning: greeting asking about someone's well-being (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| ¿Cómo estás? | neutral, vos or tú |
| ¿Cómo está? | formal |
| ¿Qué tal? | casual |
Guatemalans often add vos for emphasis: ¿Cómo estás vos? The usual reply is Bien, gracias, ¿y vos?
Is it said differently in some regions?
The verb form estás is the same for tú and vos here, which makes the question easy for learners.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the form usted is used for respect, and Guatemalans use it with elders and in business.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hello, how are you?
- Buenas tardes, ¿cómo está usted?Good afternoon, how are you?
- ¿Qué tal, vos?How is it going?
Example conversation
Marta meets her old teacher Don Luis at a market in Quetzaltenango.
- MartaBuenos días, Don Luis. ¿Cómo está?Good morning, Don Luis. How are you?
- Don LuisBien, gracias. ¿Y vos, Marta?Fine, thanks. And you, Marta?
- MartaMuy bien, gracias a Dios.Very well, thank God.
