Estoy bien
/estoi bjen/from spelling rules
Estoy bien is the Spanish way to say "I am fine".
This phrase is used as a response to indicate that you are feeling healthy or doing well.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of estoy, which is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb estar used for temporary states and bien, an adverb meaning "well". Literally, the phrase translates to "I am well".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, Estoy bien is used to say "I am fine".
How does it change in a sentence?
Because estoy comes from the verb estar, it is specifically used for temporary states such as moods or health. You must use estoy instead of soy to say you are fine, as soy is used for permanent characteristics.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying Estoy bueno to mean "I am fine". In many Spanish-speaking countries, this can colloquially mean "I am attractive" or "I taste good".
Did you know?
- The word bien is an evolutionary descendant of the Latin word bene, which is also the ancestor of the English word 'beneficial'.
- In some Latin American contexts, if someone asks how you are and you respond with a very short Bien, it can signal that you are actually upset or annoyed.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, responding with Bien is often just the first part of a polite ritual that requires you to immediately ask '¿Y tú?' to be socially acceptable.
Examples in context
- Estoy bien, ¿y vos?I am fine, and you?This example shows how to use Estoy bien when asking the other person how they are.Tatoeba #1708402 by hayastan, translation #872223 by japegon
- Estoy bien, gracias.I am fine, thank you.This example shows how to use Estoy bien when expressing gratitude.Tatoeba #493008 by Shishir, translation #926934 by zvaigzne
- Ustedes son muy amables, pero estoy bien.You are very kind, but I am fine.This example shows how to use Estoy bien when declining an offer of help.Tatoeba #11229793 by mutskt, translation #11229794 by mutskt
- Buenas tardes, ¿cómo está? – Estoy bien, gracias.Good afternoon, how are you? – I am fine, thank you.
- Buenas noches, ¿cómo está? – Estoy bien, ¿y usted?Good evening, how are you? – I am fine, and you?
- ¿Hola, cómo estás? – Estoy bien, ¿y tú?Hi, how are you? – I am fine, and you?
- ¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás? – Bien, ¿y tú?Hello! How are you? – Good, and you?
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena meet on the street and greet each other.
- Daniel¿Cómo estás, Elena?How are you, Elena?
- ElenaEstoy bien, Daniel. ¿Y tú?I am fine, Daniel. And you?
- DanielYo también estoy bien.I am also fine.
- ElenaQué bueno.That's good.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
