how are you

Meaning

A standard, polite question used to ask about someone's health, well-being, or general situation when you meet them. In English conversation, it often functions as a simple greeting rather than a deep inquiry, and people usually respond with a brief, positive answer.

Examples

• Hi Sarah, how are you? I haven't seen you all week.

  Hi Sarah, how are you? I haven't seen you all week.

• How are you? I hope everything is going well with your new job.

  How are you? I hope everything is going well with your new job.

• Hello! How are you doing today?

  Hello! How are you doing today?

• I ran into John at the supermarket and asked him how he was.

  I ran into John at the supermarket and asked him how he was.

• How are you? Are you feeling any better after your cold?

  How are you? Are you feeling any better after your cold?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ A: How are you? B: I am very fine.

  ✓ A: How are you? B: I'm doing well, thanks!

  While grammatically correct, 'I am very fine' sounds unnatural to native speakers. 'I'm doing well' or 'I'm good' are much more common.

• ✗ A: How are you? B: Yes.

  ✓ A: How are you? B: Good, thanks! And you?

  'How are you' is an open question, not a yes/no question. You must answer with your state of well-being.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Hey Tom, ___? I heard you just got back from vacation.

  💡 Ask about someone's well-being.

  Show answer

  how are you

• When you meet a client, it is polite to ask, '___?' before starting business talks.

  💡 A polite introductory question.

  Show answer

  how are you