cómo eres
/komo eɾes/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "what you are like" is cómo eres.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, cómo eres translates to "how you are", but in this context, it functions as "what you are like".
Which one should you use?
Use cómo eres to ask about personality or character. Do not confuse this with cómo estás, which refers to a person's temporary mood or health.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing someone using the formal usted, use cómo es instead of cómo eres. To ask about the character or qualities of a group of people (they or you all), use cómo son.
Did you know?
- The word eres is actually a linguistic ghost of the future tense. In Latin, it was the word for 'you will be', but over centuries it replaced the standard 'you are' because the original forms became too similar to pronounce.
- In some Spanish dialects, if someone asks ¿Cómo eres?, they might actually be asking for a physical description of you if they have never met you, despite the phrase usually targeting personality.
Examples in context
- Soy una persona responsable y dedicada.I am a responsible and dedicated person.
- Me considero una persona confiable y comprometida con mi trabajo.I consider myself a reliable and committed person to my work.
- Soy una persona respetuosa, honesta y puntual.I am a respectful, honest, and punctual person.
- Me caracterizo por ser alguien perseverante y optimista.I am characterized by being persevering and optimistic.
- Soy alguien que valora la amistad y la lealtad. Siempre estoy ahí para los demás.I am someone who values friendship and loyalty. I am always there for others.
- Dime cómo eres.Tell me what you are like.
- No sé cómo eres.I don't know what you are like.
- ¿Me puedes decir cómo eres?Can you tell me what you are like?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are talking on the phone for the first time.
- AlejandroMe interesa saber cómo eres, Elena.I am interested in knowing what you are like, Elena.
- ElenaSoy una persona muy alegre.I am a very cheerful person.
- AlejandroEso suena muy bien.That sounds very good.
- Elena¿Y tú, Alejandro, cómo eres?And you, Alejandro, what are you like?
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cómo, eres, CC BY-SA 4.0.
