how are you

/ˌhaʊ ɑr ˈju/
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A familiar question about someone’s well-being.

Examples

  • The nurse sat beside him and gently asked, "How are you?"
  • He called his sister and asked, "How are you?"
  • I have not seen you in weeks. How are you?
  • How are you, Maya? It is good to see you.
  • "How are you?" she asked after the long trip.

Similar words

how is it going
how are things
how do you feel

Meanings

Question about well-being

social
neutral
Asked to find out how someone is feeling, often as part of a greeting.

Examples

  • How are you, Maya? It is good to see you.
  • He called his sister and asked, "How are you?"
  • "How are you?" she asked after the long trip.
  • I have not seen you in weeks. How are you?
  • The nurse sat beside him and gently asked, "How are you?"

Similar words

Etymology

The expression combines how, asking about a condition, with are you, directing the question to the other person.

FAQ

What does how are you mean?

how are you is a question about someone’s well-being.

When is how are you used?

Asked to find out how someone is feeling, often as part of a greeting.

How do people reply to how are you?

I’m fine, thank you is a common reply, but an honest answer is also possible.

Is how are you formal?

It is ordinary and polite in both casual and professional conversation.

Can how are you be a sincere question?

Yes. It can be a quick greeting or a real question about someone’s feelings or health.

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