Estou bem
/isˈto(w) ˈbẽj̃/word by word
The English phrase "I am fine" is translated into Portuguese as Estou bem.
Estou bem is used to indicate that you are in a good or satisfactory state of health or spirits. The word bem means well or fine.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression uses Estou, which is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb estar, meaning "I am". This verb is used to express temporary states such as mood or health.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Estou bem, the subject pronoun Eu (I) is often omitted because the conjugation of the verb already makes it clear that the subject is "I".
How do you pronounce it?
/isˈto(w) ˈbẽj̃/
When do people say it?
When someone asks how you are, it is common and polite to follow your response of Estou bem by returning the question. You can do this by saying e você? (and you?) or e o senhor/a senhora? (and you? Formal).
Did you know?
- In Brazil, people often replace Estou bem with Tudo bem, which literally means 'everything is well'. This phrase functions as both the question 'How are you?' and the answer 'I am fine'.
- The word estou is derived from the Latin stō, which originally meant 'to stand'.
- While Estou bem describes your state, the word bem can also function as an intensifier similar to 'very'. For example, saying bem longe means 'very far' rather than 'well far'.
Examples in context
- Eu estou bem, obrigado.I am fine, thank you.Tatoeba #1292581 by alexmarcelo, translation #926934 by zvaigzne
- Estou bem, muito obrigado.I am fine, thank you very much.Tatoeba #9710108 by Cinthya, translation #5933526 by astru
- "Como você está?" "Estou bem, obrigado.""How are you?" "I am fine, thank you."Tatoeba #3262265 by Ricardo14, translation #73914 by Zifre
- Tudo bemEverything is fine
- Estou de boa.I'm good.
- Estou muito bemI am very well
- Estou bem, obrigado/a por perguntarI am fine, thank you for asking
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Rodrigo meet at a cafe.
- CamilaOi Rodrigo, como você está?Hi Rodrigo, how are you?
- RodrigoEstou bem, Camila. E você?I am fine, Camila. And you?
- CamilaTambém estou bem.I am also fine.
- RodrigoQue bom!That's good!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (estou, bem) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bem, estou, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
