Spanish Greetings
How to Say “How Are You?” in Spanish
A friendly check-in can be just a few words. Learn a question, a reply, and a way to return the question so the exchange does not stop after your first answer.
Useful Spanish phrases
Read each phrase with its English meaning. Then cover the translation and picture when you would use it.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| ¿Qué tal? | How is it going? |
| ¿Cómo estás? | How are you? (informal) |
| Estoy bien. | I am well. |
| ¿Y tú? | And you? |
| Todo bien. | Everything is fine. |
| Me alegro de verte. | I am glad to see you. |
Like learning through everyday situations? See how HeyHola brings them into practice.
Recognize two familiar openings
The first two phrases both open a friendly check-in. They are not word-for-word versions of the same sentence, so learn each with its English meaning. Try one opening at a time. When both feel familiar, ask a practice partner to choose one without telling you which they will use.
Return the question
A short reply can keep an exchange comfortable. In the dialogue, Carlos answers and then asks Ana in return. Notice how a very small follow-up creates another turn without requiring a new topic. The final phrase in the table is a warmer expression for seeing someone again, rather than a reply about your mood.
Try a short conversation
An illustrative practice scene using the phrases above. Pauses leave room for replies that may vary in a real conversation.
- Ana
- ¿Cómo estás?How are you? (informal)
- Carlos
- Estoy bien.I am well.
- Carlos
- ¿Y tú?And you?
- Ana
- Todo bien.Everything is fine.
A common mistake to avoid
Do not treat every phrase in the table as an answer to how you are. Me alegro de verte expresses pleasure at seeing someone; it does not describe how your day is going.
A note for real life
These phrases use familiar forms appropriate to this friendly example. More formal check-ins appear in the essential greetings lesson. Actual choices vary by relationship and community.
PICO’S PRACTICE TIP
Your turn
Practice the four dialogue turns, then switch roles. Change only the opening by using the other check-in question. Keep the reply and return question easy to recognize.
Phrase source: HeyHola’s authored app lessons.