What does it mean word for word?
The word cómo means "how" and estás means "you are", which is the second-person singular conjugation of the verb estar (to be).
Which one should you use?
While ¿cómo estás? is a straightforward way to ask how someone is, you can also use the more informal and widely used alternative ¿Qué tal? to mean "How's it going?" or "What's up?"
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, ¿Qué onda? is a popular informal greeting meaning "What's up?" In Argentina, ¿Cómo venís? is an informal greeting used to say "How's it going?"
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of two or more people, use the plural form ¿cómo están?
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to this question is Bien, gracias, which means "Fine, thank you.". Note that in Spanish, you must use the verb estar (estás) for this question because it refers to a temporary state of well-being. Do not use ser (eres), which refers to permanent characteristics.
Did you know?
- In some regions, the phrase ¿cómo andas? is used instead of ¿cómo estás? It literally means 'how are you walking', but it functions as a way to ask how someone is getting along in life.
- In many Latin American countries, it is common to greet every single person in a room with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek while asking ¿cómo estás?, rather than addressing the group once with ¿cómo están?
- The word cómo is inherited from the Latin cōmō̆, which was a non-literary form of the word quōmodo.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hello, how are you?
Example conversation
Elena and Javier meet at a coffee shop.
- ElenaHola Javier, ¿cómo estás?Hello Javier, how are you?
- JavierMuy bien, Elena. ¿Y tú?Very well, Elena. And you?
- ElenaEstoy muy contenta hoy.I am very happy today.
- JavierMe alegro mucho.I am very glad.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cómo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
