What does it mean word for word?
The word está is a form of the verb estar, which is used specifically for states of being, health or temporary conditions, making it the correct verb for asking about well-being.
Which one should you use?
Use tu familia (your family) for friends or peers, but use su familia (your family) when speaking to someone formally or to show respect.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
¿Cómo está tu familia? is an informal way to ask "How is your family?" in English. The form using su is the polite/formal way to ask this question, typically used with elders, bosses or strangers.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, familia is a singular noun and requires the singular verb está.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying ¿cómo están tu familia? English speakers often mistakenly use the plural verb form 'están' because 'family' is a collective noun, but in Spanish, familia is a singular noun and requires the singular verb está.
Did you know?
- The word familia has a surprising history rooted in the concept of a household's staff, as it stems from the Latin word for 'slave staff' or 'household members'.
- In some regions, asking about the family is a prerequisite for starting a business conversation, and jumping straight to a professional topic can be seen as rude.
- While familia refers to the nuclear family, Spanish speakers often use the phrase to encompass a much wider circle, including 'chosen family' and close godparents.
Examples in context
- Hola, señor García. ¿Cómo está su familia?Hello, Mr. García. How is your family?
- Disculpe, ¿cómo está su familia en estos días?Excuse me, how is your family these days?
- Hola, Juan. ¿Cómo está tu familia?Hey, Juan. How is your family?
- Todo bien, gracias. ¿Y la tuya?Everything is fine, thanks. And yours?
- No te he visto en mucho tiempo, ¿cómo está tu familia?I haven't seen you in a long time, how is your family?
Example conversation
Two friends run into each other at a cafe.
- Lucía¡Hola, Alejandro! ¿Cómo está tu familia?Hi, Alejandro! How is your family?
- AlejandroHola, Lucía. Todos están muy bien, gracias.Hi, Lucía. Everyone is doing very well, thanks.
- LucíaMe alegro mucho de escucharlo.I am very happy to hear that.
- AlejandroGracias, ¿y la tuya?Thanks, and yours?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cómo, familia, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
