What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cómo (how), has (you have) and estado (been).
Which one should you use?
While ¿cómo has estado? focuses on the period of time since the last meeting, ¿cómo estás? focuses on the person's current state.
Is it said differently in some regions?
¿Cómo has estado? is commonly used in Spain and throughout Latin America. In Mexico, the expression ¿Cómo te ha ido últimamente? is commonly used. In Argentina, the informal expression ¿Cómo andás? translates to "How are you getting along?" The phrase ¿Cómo le ha ido? can be used in both Spain and Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
The formal version uses the third-person singular form ha estado instead of the informal has estado. To ask how a group of people has been, use the plural form ¿cómo han estado?
When do people say it?
A common natural response to this greeting is Muy bien, ¿y tú? (Very well and you?).
Did you know?
- In ancient times, the root of estado was used as a unit of length approximating the height of a grown man.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, answering ¿cómo has estado? with a detailed list of your recent struggles might be seen as too heavy for a casual greeting.
- Depending on the region, the response to ¿cómo has estado? might include más o menos, which implies a state of 'so-so' that is more common than in English greetings.
Examples in context
- Hola, Meg. ¿Cómo has estado?Hello, Meg, how have you been?This sentence shows how to use the phrase in a greeting.Tatoeba #3113420 by marcelostockle, translation #30305 by CN
- ¿Cómo has estado?How have you been?This is a standalone example of the phrase.Tatoeba #9519644 by ignacio, translation #64533 by CK
Example conversation
María and Daniel run into each other at a coffee shop.
- María¡Hola, Daniel! ¿Cómo has estado?Hi, Daniel! How have you been?
- DanielMuy bien, gracias, María. ¿Y tú?Very well, thanks, María. And you?
- MaríaTodo bien, mucho trabajo últimamente.Everything is good, lots of work lately.
- DanielMe alegro de verte.I am glad to see you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cómo, estado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
