How to Say “I Am Doing Well” in Old English

By Carly Crystal • Updated October 4, 2026

me is wel

The English phrase "I am doing well" is translated into Old English as me is wel.

This phrase is a response used to say that one is in good health or spirits.

Did you know?

In Old English, stating one's health often used an impersonal construction, effectively saying 'it is well with me' rather than 'I am well'.
The Old English word wel is a linguistic cousin to the Gothic word waila, showing how a single root spread across ancient Europe.
While we say 'I am well' today, the Old English structure me is wel translates more literally to 'to me it is well'.

Example conversation

Two friends meet on a village path.

Æthelflæd

Hū færst þū, Godric?
How are you, Godric?
Godric

Me is wel, Æthelflæd.
I am doing well, Æthelflæd.
Æthelflæd

Gode tide!
Good tidings!
Godric

And þē ēac.
And to you also.

Sources

Word origins: Wiktionary entries is, me, wel, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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About The Author

Carly Crystal

Hwæt! I'm Carly, a hobbie-þrall. I find delight in þe Old English leid, seeking ways to bridge þe gap between then and now. My posts delve deep into the roots of our tongue, helping others unlock its secrets too. When I'm not wrapped up in linguistic lore, you may find me nurturing my wyrt-tun, or perhaps sketching ða eorðan's wonders. Life's a journey, mine is among words and phrases of yore.

Carly CrystalHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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