How to say “how are you” in Spanish
The short answer
¿Cómo estás?
KOH-moh ehs-TAHS
“¿Cómo estás?” is how are you in Spanish with friends. With strangers, older people or at work, use the polite “¿Cómo está usted?”.
6 ways to say how are you in Spanish
¿Cómo estás?
KOH-moh ehs-TAHS
Means: How are you? (informal)
Use it: Friends, family, people your age.
¿Cómo está usted?
KOH-moh ehs-TAH oos-TEHD
Means: How are you? (formal)
Use it: Strangers, elders, customers.
¿Qué tal?
keh TAHL
Means: How's it going?
Use it: Casual and very common.
¿Cómo te va?
KOH-moh teh VAH
Means: How's it going for you?
Use it: Friendly, a bit warmer.
Bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?
bee-EHN GRAH-see-ahs. ee TOO
Means: Fine, thanks. And you?
Use it: The usual answer.
Muy bien
mwee bee-EHN
Means: Very well
Use it: Answer when things are good.
Pronunciation tips
- Answer with “bien” or “muy bien”, then bounce it back: “¿y tú?” (informal) or “¿y usted?” (formal).
Audio is AI-generated by SayHowTo for learning. Accents vary by country and region.