¿Cómo estás?
The English phrase "how are you?" is translated into Spanish as ¿Cómo estás?
Depending on the context, you might use different variations: ¿Cómo estás? is a common way to ask "How are you?", while ¿Cómo te va? translates to "How's it going?" and ¿Qué tal? is a very common and more casual alternative meaning "how's it going?" or "what's up?" For formal situations, you can use ¿Cómo está usted? to ask "How are you?" or "How are you doing?" or use ¿Cómo se encuentra? to specifically ask about someone's well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Cómo translates literally to "how".
Which one should you use?
The default form ¿Cómo estás? uses the informal "tú" conjugation and should be used with friends, family or people your own age.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the form ¿Cómo está usted? when speaking to someone in a formal context, such as a boss, an elder or a stranger.
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to ¿Cómo estás? is Bien, gracias.
Did you know?
- Using the formal ¿Cómo está usted? with a peer in some Spanish-speaking regions can be interpreted as sarcasm or a sign that you are angry with them.
- In some Caribbean regions, you might hear ¿Qué lo que?, a highly colloquial version of 'how are you?' that differs significantly from textbook Spanish.
- In Spain, ¿Qué pasa? is a common way to say 'what's up?', but in some Latin American countries, it can sound more like 'what is the problem?'
Examples in context
- Buenos días, señora. ¿Cómo está usted?Good morning, ma'am. How are you?
- Hola, señor. ¿Cómo se encuentra?Hello, sir. How are you doing?
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hi, how are you?
- ¿Qué tal estás? Hace tiempo que no te veo.How are you? I haven't seen you in a while.
- Oye, ¿cómo estás?Hey, how are you?
Example conversation
Daniel sees Lucía at a cafe.
- DanielHola, Lucía. ¿Cómo estás?Hello, Lucía. How are you?
- LucíaMuy bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?Very well, thanks. And you?
- DanielEstoy bien también.I am fine too.
- LucíaMe alegro mucho.I am very glad.
