Ever wondered how do you say how are you in Spanish?
You’re in the right place! This guide is written just for you — whether you’re a curious traveler, a Spanish learner, or someone who loves connecting with people in their own language.
Learning how to greet others properly is the first step to making real connections.
In this friendly guide, you’ll not only learn how to ask “How are you?” in Spanish but also when to use each version, how to pronounce them like a native, and even how to respond naturally.
Let’s dive in and make Spanish conversations easier (and way more fun)! 🇪🇸
The Most Common Way to Say “How Are You?” in Spanish
The most common way to say “How are you?” in Spanish is:
“¿Cómo estás?” (Pronounced: KOH-moh ehs-TAHS)
This is the informal version — perfect for talking with friends, family, or people your age.
👉 Example:
—Hola, María! ¿Cómo estás?
(Hi, María! How are you?)
Just like in English, tone matters — say it warmly and you’ll sound friendly and genuine.
When to Be Polite | The Formal Way
If you’re talking to someone older, in a professional setting, or showing respect, use:
“¿Cómo está usted?” (Pronounced: KOH-moh ehs-TAH oos-TEHD)
👉 Example:
—Buenos días, señor García. ¿Cómo está usted?
(Good morning, Mr. García. How are you?)
💡 Cultural Tip: In Spanish-speaking cultures, showing respect through language is highly valued. Using “usted” instead of “tú” instantly sounds more polite.
Friendly Variations You’ll Hear 😄
Spanish speakers love variety! Here are some other common ways to ask “How are you?”
| Phrase | Pronunciation | Meaning / When to Use |
| ¿Qué tal? | keh tahl | Very casual, like “What’s up?” |
| ¿Cómo te va? | KOH-moh teh bah | Means “How’s it going?” |
| ¿Qué haces? | keh AH-sehs | Literally “What are you doing?” but often used as “How are you?” |
| ¿Todo bien? | TOH-doh byehn | “All good?” – relaxed and friendly |
| ¿Qué onda? | keh OHN-dah | Slang in Mexico for “What’s up?” |
👉 Example Conversation:
—¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?
—Todo bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?
(Hi! What’s up? / All good, thanks. And you?)
How to Pronounce “¿Cómo estás?” Like a Native 🗣️
To sound natural, remember:
- “¿Cómo?” → stress the first syllable: KOH-moh
- “Estás” → stress the last syllable: ehs-TAHS
- Link the sounds together smoothly, like KOH-moh ehs-TAHS
Practice it a few times — Spanish is musical, so try saying it with rhythm and confidence! 🎵
Common Responses to “¿Cómo estás?”
Just like in English, there are many ways to answer. Here are a few easy ones:
| Spanish | Pronunciation | English |
| Estoy bien. | ehs-TOY byehn | I’m fine. |
| Muy bien, gracias. | mooy byehn, GRAH-syahs | Very good, thanks. |
| Más o menos. | mahs oh MEH-nohs | So-so. |
| Cansado / Cansada. | kahn-SAH-doh / dah | Tired. |
| ¡Excelente! | ehk-seh-LEHN-teh | Excellent! |
👉 Example:
—¿Cómo estás?
—Muy bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?
(How are you? / Very good, thanks. And you?)
Follow Up Phrases to Keep the Conversation Going 💬
After greeting someone, here are a few natural follow-ups:
- ¿Y tú? (And you?)
- ¿Qué haces hoy? (What are you doing today?)
- ¿Cómo te ha ido? (How’s it been?)
- ¡Qué gusto verte! (So nice to see you!)
- Hasta luego. (See you later.)
These keep the conversation flowing and make your Spanish sound friendly and natural.
Fun Cultural Note 🇲🇽🇪🇸
In many Spanish-speaking countries, greetings go beyond words — a friendly kiss on the cheek or handshake often accompanies a “¿Cómo estás?” depending on how close you are. So when you visit, be ready for warmth and genuine connection!
Quick Mini Vocabulary Recap
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
| How are you? | ¿Cómo estás? | KOH-moh ehs-TAHS |
| Good | Bien | byehn |
| Very good | Muy bien | mooy byehn |
| Thanks | Gracias | GRAH-syahs |
| And you? | ¿Y tú? | ee too |
| Goodbye | Adiós | ah-DYOHs |
Conclusion 🌟
Now you know exactly how to say “How are you?” in Spanish — plus when, where, and how to use each version like a native speaker. Don’t worry about being perfect; what matters is trying and connecting. Practice these phrases every day, and soon, you’ll feel confident greeting anyone in Spanish with a big smile and a friendly “¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?” 😄
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