¿Cómo estás?
The English phrase "how are you?" is translated into Spanish as ¿Cómo estás?
This is a common greeting used to ask someone about their current well-being or state of mind.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Cómo translates literally to "How".
Which one should you use?
The default form ¿Cómo estás? is the informal version, while ¿Cómo está? is the formal version and ¿Cómo están? is used for a group of two or more people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The choice of form depends on whom you are addressing: ¿Cómo estás? uses the informal 'tú' conjugation, ¿Cómo está? is the formal singular form and ¿Cómo están? is the plural form used when addressing a group.
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to this question is Bien, gracias.
Did you know?
- A common hyper-casual way to skip the full sentence is to simply say ¿Qué onda?, which literally means 'What wave?'
- The word cómo is a linguistic fossil from the Latin cōmō̆, a colloquial variation of the more formal quōmodo.
- Depending on the intonation, ¿Cómo estás? can be used to express shock or disbelief, similar to saying 'How are you doing this?' or 'How is that possible?' in English.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hello, how are you?
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a cafe.
- LucíaHola Javier, ¿cómo estás?Hi Javier, how are you?
- JavierEstoy muy bien, ¿y tú?I am very well, and you?
- LucíaTodo bien, gracias.Everything is fine, thanks.
- JavierMe alegro mucho.I am very glad.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cómo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
