¿cómo estás, mamá?
The English phrase "how are you, mom?" is translated into Spanish as ¿cómo estás, mamá?
This phrase is used to ask a mother about her current health or well-being. To add a sense of additional endearment, you can use the terms mamá or the diminutive mamita instead of the more formal madre.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cómo means "how" and estás is the second-person singular present tense of the verb estar (to be, used for states/feelings).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form estás is the second-person singular (tú) form, which is the standard way to address a family member like a mother in most Spanish-speaking cultures.
When do people say it?
A common natural response to this question is Bien, gracias (Fine, thanks).
Did you know?
- The word mamá actually entered the Spanish language via the French word 'maman' rather than coming directly from Latin.
- While mamá is used for mothers, the diminutive mamita can be used in some regions to address grandmothers, aunts or even elderly women who are not related to the speaker.
- If you were in a very formal setting or speaking to a stranger, you might use ¿cómo está usted, mamá?, but using the 'usted' form with your own mother can actually signal a lack of intimacy or even a sense of distance in many households.
Examples in context
- Dime, ¿cómo estás, mamá?Tell me, how are you, mom?
Example conversation
Alejandro visits his mother at home.
- AlejandroHola, ¿cómo estás, mamá?Hi, how are you, mom?
- LucíaEstoy muy bien, Alejandro.I am very well, Alejandro.
- AlejandroMe alegra mucho escuchar eso.I am very glad to hear that.
- LucíaGracias, hijo.Thank you, son.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cómo, mamá, CC BY-SA 4.0.
