¿cómo es?
The Spanish phrase for "how is it?" is ¿cómo es?
¿cómo es? is a question used to ask for a description of the characteristics or qualities of something.
Which one should you use?
Use ¿cómo es? to ask about the permanent qualities or characteristics of something. Do not use it to ask about a current state or mood. Instead, use ¿cómo está? to ask about the temporary state, condition or location of something.
How does it change in a sentence?
When asking about the characteristics of multiple things, use the plural form ¿cómo son? When asking about a person's character or physical appearance, ¿cómo es? translates to "What is [person] like?", such as in the phrase ¿cómo es ella? (What is she like?).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use ¿cómo es? to ask how someone is feeling or doing.
Did you know?
- The Sanskrit word 'ásti' shares the same ancient ancestry as the Spanish es, showing a connection that spans thousands of years.
- Because ¿cómo es? targets permanent traits, using it to ask about a sick person's health would sound as if you are asking about their general anatomy.
- Spanish uses two different verbs for 'to be' to distinguish between the 'essence' in ¿cómo es? and the 'condition' in ¿cómo está?
Examples in context
- Perdón, señor. ¿Cómo se encuentra su familia?Excuse me, sir. How is your family?
- ¡Buenas noches! ¿Qué tal todo?Good evening! How is everything?
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking about a new restaurant.
- MaríaJavier, fui al restaurante nuevo. ¿Cómo es?Javier, I went to the new restaurant. How is it?
- JavierEs un lugar muy moderno y elegante.It is a very modern and elegant place.
- MaríaY la comida, ¿cómo es?And the food, how is it?
- JavierEs deliciosa y muy variada.It is delicious and very varied.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cómo, es, CC BY-SA 4.0.
