What does it mean word for word?
The word cómo literally means "how", and estás is the second-person singular conjugation of the verb estar, which is used for temporary states or conditions, meaning "you are".
Which one should you use?
While ¿cómo estás? is the default informal way to ask how someone is, you can also use ¿Qué tal? to mean "How's it going?" or ¿Cómo te va? to mean "How's it going for you?" Additionally, ¿Cómo marcha todo? can be used to mean "How's everything going?" in both formal and informal contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, Uruguay and parts of Chile, people often use ¿Cómo andás? or ¿Cómo estás vos? instead of ¿cómo estás?
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of two or more people, use the plural form ¿cómo están? Use ¿cómo está usted? to address a single person formally.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use soy (from the verb ser) instead of estoy (from the verb estar) when answering this question. However, estar is the correct verb to use for well-being.
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to this greeting is Bien, gracias. (Fine, thanks.).
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, answering ¿cómo estás? with a long list of actual problems is often considered a breach of social etiquette.
- If you answer Soy bien, you are unintentionally claiming that your very essence or identity is 'goodness' rather than saying you feel well.
- The word cómo originates from the Latin cōmō̆, which was a non-literary or colloquial version of the formal Latin word quōmodo.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hello, how are you?
- Dime, ¿cómo estás?Tell me, how are you?
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía meet at a coffee shop.
- DanielHola, Lucía, ¿cómo estás?Hello, Lucía, how are you?
- LucíaMuy bien, gracias, ¿y tú?Very well, thank you, and you?
- DanielEstoy bien también.I am well too.
- LucíaQué bueno saberlo.That is good to know.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cómo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
