How to say it
How do you say “how are you?” in Spanish?
Learn how to ask how are you in Spanish with formal, informal and regional options.
The most common way to ask “how are you?” in Spanish is “¿Cómo estás?” Use “¿Cómo está?” in formal situations.
Useful Spanish options
Choose the expression according to tone, relationship and situation. The Listen button reads only the Spanish phrase.
| Spanish expression | English meaning | When to use it | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¿Cómo estás? | How are you? | Informal singular | Hola, ¿cómo estás? |
| ¿Cómo está? | How are you? | Formal singular | Buenos días, ¿cómo está? |
| ¿Qué tal? | How’s it going? | Casual and common | ¿Qué tal todo? |
| ¿Cómo va? | How is it going? | Relaxed and conversational | ¿Cómo va la semana? |
| ¿Cómo te va? | How are things going for you? | Personal and friendly | ¿Cómo te va en el trabajo? |
| ¿Todo bien? | Everything good? | Very casual | Hola, ¿todo bien? |
How to use it naturally
This phrase “how are you?” in Spanish? is best learned as a short chunk. Spanish often uses a different structure from English, so avoid translating word by word.
Audio available: tap “Listen” next to a Spanish expression to hear it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using “cómo eres” for how are you“¿Cómo eres?” asks what someone is like as a person.
- Forgetting the inverted question markIn careful writing, use both question marks: ¿Cómo estás?
Mini practice
Say three sentences aloud using one Spanish expression from this page. Then replace one word to make the sentence personal.
- Read the Spanish example slowly.
- Repeat it without looking at the English meaning.
- Change the person, time or place.
FAQ
Is “qué tal” formal?
It is neutral-casual and common, but “¿cómo está?” is safer in formal contexts.
Should I use tú or usted?
Use “¿cómo estás?” with friends and “¿cómo está?” with people you address formally.