A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "How are you" in Spanish
Learn how to ask 'how are you' in Spanish with this essential, neutral phrase perfect for everyday conversations across Latin America.
¿Cómo estás?
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Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when greeting friends, family, or peers you know well. It is the go-to phrase for checking in with someone during a casual encounter at a cafe or on the street.
Alternatives
- ¿Cómo está usted?Use this for formal settings or with strangers.
- ¿Qué tal?Use this for a very relaxed, 'what's up' vibe.
- ¿Cómo les va?Use this when addressing a group of people.
Ways to get it wrong
Mixing up formal and casual
Avoid using 'estás' with your boss or elders, as it sounds overly familiar.
Forgetting the upside-down question mark
Always include the '¿' at the start of the sentence, as it is mandatory in written Spanish.
A small cultural note
In many Latin American countries, this is often used as a quick greeting rather than a literal request for a detailed life update.
Frequently asked
What should I say back when someone asks me this?
You can simply say 'Bien, gracias' followed by '¿y tú?' to return the question. This is the standard, polite way to keep the conversation flowing.
Is it okay to use this with a waiter?
It is better to stick to a simple 'Hola' or 'Buenos días' with service staff. Using '¿Cómo estás?' can sound a bit too personal for a brief business interaction.
How do I ask how a group of friends is doing?
You should use '¿Cómo están?' instead of '¿Cómo estás?'. The plural form changes the ending to match the group you are addressing.
How do you reply to "Como estás"?
A common reply is "Bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?" which means "Good, thank you. And you?" You can also say "Muy bien" for "Very good" or "Más o menos" for "So-so."
What are three ways to say "how are you?" in Spanish?
You can say "¿Cómo estás?" (informal), "¿Cómo está?" (formal), or "¿Qué tal?" (very informal, similar to "What's up?").
