One of the most used expressions when we are introduced to a person or when we see someone we haven’t known for a long time, or even that we know is going through some difficulty or problem, is How are you? or How are you? or informally, how are you doing?
There are many ways to say “How are you?”, and in English, we can also find several ways to say it taking into account the situation and the person you are addressing.
If you want to know all the ways to say how are you in English, then keep reading this article from doncomos.com where we will show you them and give you a brief explanation of their uses, as well as some very useful examples.
To begin with, we must point out the importance of distinguishing between formal and informal. That is, the ways in which we address a person. We will formally address a person when we do not know him, when he is an older person, when he represents an authority, etc. our language implies greater respect and formality. On the other hand, if we are addressing a person with whom we have some kind of relationship or trust already exists, we can use more relaxed language, and although there should always be respect, the way of saying things is usually not so “dry”.
How do you do?
This expression “How you do?” It is used in a formal setting. That is, in the event that we are introduced to a person for the first time, when we address someone with authority or on a higher hierarchical scale, or it will even be used to ask how someone who is respected is doing.
In the event that a person is being introduced for the first time, they are generally answered with the same polite question. Its translation is literally: “How are you?
Example:
In charge: Luis, This is Mister John Smith
Luis: It’s a pleasure, Mister John. How do you do?
John: Fine, thank you. How do you do?
Luis: Great, thank you
How are you?
Although it can maintain a small level of formality, the truth is that it is less formal than the previous expression. This is the first expression that is learned to say how are you in English and this is the most used phrase, as well as its literal translation. This expression is used with people we already know, for example with friends, with co-workers, school or university, with relatives, etc.
Sometimes this expression can be accompanied by an adverb or expression of time, such as “in this moment” (at this moment, now) or “today” (today).
Example:
David: Good Morning Mr. Black. How are you today?
Mr Black: Fine, David. Thanks.
How are you doing?
This expression in English to say how are you? It is used informally, and its translation into Spanish can be: How are you doing? Its use is left only to be used with friends, colleagues or acquaintances with a certain degree of confidence, since we are addressing that person informally.
Charles: Hi, Lucas, how are you doing?
Lucas: So, so, Charles.
How do you feel?
If we translated this expression literally into Spanish, then this phrase would mean How do you feel? It is another way of saying “how are you”, but the use of this expression focuses when we ask another person who has had a problem, an accident, has suffered an injury or illness, or who has love problems or even a breaking off. It will also be used with someone who has just received medical treatment or care.
Dr Johnson: Hello, Susan. How do you feel?
Susan: Hi doctor, I feel better, thank you.
How’s your health?
We will ask “how’s your health?” when we want to know how someone’s health is. Its literal translation is: How are you in health? And it’s also another way to ask how you are. This phrase is used to ask someone who has a health problem, who is or has been convalescing or ill. We can also use it to ask someone we haven’t seen for a long time and we know has had a health problem.
Eric: Hey Rick! How’s your health?
Rick: I’m fine now, thanks Eric.
How does it go?
This expression is completely informal. Its literal translation is How are you? We will use this expression with brothers, friends and relatives with whom there is a high degree of trust. It should not be used with the elderly or with someone with a higher hierarchy.
Dean: Hi everyone! How does it go?
Harry: As ever, and you?
Ronald: Not bad, thanks.
You already see that there are many ways to say how are you in English, but remember that each expression must be used at the time and with the correct person. Remember that in English it is very important to respect the formality or informality of the relationship between people, therefore, based on this and the context of the greeting, we will use one or another of the expressions discussed.