What does it mean word for word?
The phrase как ваши дела сегодня? literally translates to 'how [are] your affairs today?'
Which one should you use?
The shorter phrase как дела? is a much more common, casual way to ask 'how are you?' compared to this full version. You can also use Как у вас дела сегодня? to mean 'How are things with you today?' or Как вы сегодня поживаете? for a more formal tone. Как поживаете? is a formal way to ask how someone is doing where the concept of 'today' is implied.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to a single friend or someone younger, use the informal как твои дела сегодня? instead of the formal как ваши дела сегодня? The use of ваши (vashi) in the default form makes the phrase polite and suitable for addressing a stranger, a superior or a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
kak vashi dela segodnya?
When do people say it?
A standard, polite response to this question is хорошо, спасибо (good, thank you).
Did you know?
- In Russian culture, asking как дела? can be interpreted as a genuine request for a detailed update on your life rather than a superficial greeting.
- Using the formal как ваши дела? with a close friend or a child could be perceived as sarcastic or cold, as it creates an intentional social distance.
- The word сегодня ('today') is a linguistic fossil, created by merging the Old East Slavic words for 'this' and 'day'.
Examples in context
- Скажите, как ваши дела сегодня?Skazhite, kak vashi dela segodnya?Tell me, how are you today?
Example conversation
Ekaterina meets her colleague Andrey at the office.
- Екатерина EkaterinaДобрый день, Андрей! Как ваши дела сегодня?Dobryy den', Andrey! Kak vashi dela segodnya?Good day, Andrey! How are you today?
- Андрей AndreyЗдравствуйте, Екатерина. Всё хорошо, спасибо.Zdravstvuyte, Ekaterina. Vsyo khorosho, spasibo.Hello, Ekaterina. Everything is fine, thank you.
- Екатерина EkaterinaЯ очень рада это слышать.Ya ochen' rada eto slyshat'.I am very glad to hear that.
- Андрей AndreyА у вас как успехи?A u vas kak uspekhi?And how is your progress?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries как, сегодня, CC BY-SA 4.0.
