7+ Ways How to Say How Are You in Spanish | Easy Guide for Beginners 2025

Last updated: November 9, 2025 at 12:41 pm by ramzanseo23@gmail.com

Ever wondered how to say “How are you?” in Spanish? You’re in the right place! 

Whether you’re chatting with a Spanish-speaking friend, traveling to Spain, or just starting to learn the language, this guide will make it super easy for you. 

In this article, we’ll explore the most common ways to say how are you in Spanish, when to use each one, and how to sound natural while doing it. 

By the end, you’ll not only know the words but also how to feel the language like a native. 

Ready to sound more confident when speaking Spanish? ¡Vamos! (Let’s go!)

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The Most Common Way to Say “How Are You?” in Spanish

The most popular phrase is “¿Cómo estás?” 🗣️
Pronunciation: KOH-moh es-TAHS

This is the informal way of asking “How are you?” and is perfect for friends, family, or people your age.

Example:

• Hola, María! ¿Cómo estás?
  (Hi, María! How are you?)
  

💡 Tip: You’ll hear this phrase everywhere in Spanish-speaking countries. It’s warm, friendly, and casual—perfect for everyday use.

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Formal Way to Say “How Are You?”

When speaking to someone older, your boss, or a stranger, use “¿Cómo está usted?”
Pronunciation: KOH-moh es-TAH oos-TEHD

This version shows respect and politeness. Spanish culture values courtesy, so using the right level of formality goes a long way.

Example:

• Buenas tardes, señor García. ¿Cómo está usted?
  (Good afternoon, Mr. García. How are you?)
  

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Friendly & Slang Versions

Spanish speakers love adding flavor to their greetings. Here are some fun, informal alternatives:

• ¿Qué tal? – How’s it going?
  
  • Pronunciation: keh TAHL
    
  • Example: ¡Hola! ¿Qué tal? (Hey! How’s it going?)
    
• ¿Cómo te va? – How’s it going for you?
  
  • Pronunciation: KOH-moh teh BAH
    
  • Example: ¿Cómo te va en el trabajo? (How’s work going?)
    
• ¿Qué onda? (used in Mexico 🇲🇽) – What’s up?
  
  • Pronunciation: keh ON-dah
    
  • Example: ¡Ey, Carlos! ¿Qué onda? (Hey, Carlos! What’s up?)
    

These phrases make your Spanish sound more natural and friendly.

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Quick Pronunciation Tips 🎧

1. The letter “r” in Spanish is softer than in English—try to tap your tongue lightly.
   
2. Stress usually falls on the second-to-last syllable: es-TÁS, on-DA, TAHL.
   
3. Smile while speaking—it naturally makes your tone warmer and more inviting! 😊
   

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Common Follow Up Phrases

Once you ask “¿Cómo estás?”, you’ll want to keep the conversation going! Here are some natural replies and follow-ups:

Spanish Phrase	Pronunciation	Meaning in English
Estoy bien, gracias.	es-TOY byehn, GRA-syahs	I’m fine, thank you.
Muy bien, ¿y tú?	mooy byehn, ee too	Very well, and you?
Más o menos.	mahs oh MEH-nos	So-so.
No muy bien.	noh mooy byehn	Not very well.
Adiós / Hasta luego	ah-DYOS / ahs-tah LWEH-goh	Goodbye / See you later

💬 Just like in English, you can mix and match these to fit your mood and tone.

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Cultural Note 🌎

In Spanish-speaking cultures, greetings are a big deal! People often shake hands, hug, or even kiss on the cheek when saying hello or how are you. It’s more than just words—it’s a sign of warmth and respect. So, don’t just say “¿Cómo estás?”—say it with a smile!

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Let’s Practice Together! 🎯

Try this short conversation:

A: ¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?
B: Muy bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?
A: Todo bien. ¡Nos vemos pronto!

(Hi! How are you? / Very well, thank you. And you? / All good. See you soon!)

Simple, right? The more you practice, the more natural it will feel.

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Conclusion 🌟

Now you know how to say how are you in Spanish in different ways—formal, informal, and even slang! Use them confidently when talking to friends or meeting new people. Every time you say “¿Cómo estás?”, you’re connecting with the Spanish-speaking world in a more personal way. So go ahead—start practicing and make your next “Hola” sound more authentic than ever! 💬🇪🇸