how are you

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العربية الفصحى
Arabic (Standard)
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हिन्दी
Hindi
/ˌhaʊ ɑr ˈju/
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A familiar question about someone’s well-being.
Practice using how are you in conversation until it feels natural

Similar words

how are things
how do you feel
how is it going

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

how are things
how do you feel
how is it going

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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