What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from cómo (how), te (yourself) and sientes (you feel). This reflects the reflexive nature of the verb sentirse, which is used when discussing emotions and physical states.
Which one should you use?
While ¿cómo te sientes? specifically asks about an internal state, such as being emotional or physical, the phrase ¿cómo estás? is a more general way to say "how are you?"
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form ¿cómo te sientes? uses the tú form, which is used for friends, family or people your own age. If you are speaking to someone you address as usted to show respect or maintain professional distance, use the formal form ¿cómo se siente?
When do people say it?
A natural way to begin a response to this question is with Me siento… followed by an adjective, such as Me siento bien (I feel well).
Did you know?
- While ¿cómo te sientes? asks about a state, you cannot use it to ask someone's opinion. To ask 'how do you feel about this idea?', a speaker would use ¿qué te parece? instead.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, asking ¿cómo te sientes? during a casual greeting can sound overly intimate or clinically concerned, as it probes deeper than the social surface of ¿cómo estás?
- If you were to use the verb sentar instead of sentir, you would be asking how someone is 'sitting' rather than how they 'feel'.
Examples in context
- Dime, ¿cómo te sientes?Tell me, how do you feel?
Example conversation
Elena checks on Alejandro after he had a long day at work.
- ElenaHola Alejandro, ¿cómo te sientes?Hi Alejandro, how do you feel?
- AlejandroMe siento muy cansado, Elena.I feel very tired, Elena.
- Elena¿Quieres descansar un poco?Do you want to rest a bit?
- AlejandroSí, por favor.Yes, please.
