- A standard polite question asking about someone's well-being.
- Often used as part of a greeting.
- The expected answer is usually brief and positive, unless the relationship is close.
Explanation
Origin
- A fundamental social inquiry present in many languages.
- In English, it evolved as a standard phatic expression (used for social function rather than seeking detailed information).
- Became deeply ingrained in greeting rituals, signaling polite interest in the other person.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- How's it hanging? (Casual, slightly dated)
- What's kickin'? (Casual, playful)
- How you livin'? (Urban/AAVE influence)
- Alright? / You alright? (UK/Aus greeting/check-in)
Milder/Standard:
- How are things?
- How is everything?
Situational Appropriateness
- Very versatile. Appropriate in almost all situations, from formal to informal.
- In very informal settings, might be replaced by How's it going? or What's up?.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers sometimes take the question too literally and provide a long, detailed answer about their health or problems, when usually a short, polite response is expected, especially in casual or professional contexts with acquaintances. Understanding it as a phatic expression is key.
Examples
- Hi John, how are you?
- Good morning, Ms. Davis. How are you today?
Dialogue
Alex: Hi Ben, how are you?
Ben: I'm good, thanks, Alex. How are you?
Alex: Doing well! Keeping busy.
Social Media Examples
- Post: Checking in on everyone! How are you doing today? #MentalHealthAwareness
- DM to a friend: Hey! Long time no talk. How are you?
- Comment: Great photo! How are you?
Response Patterns
- Fine, thanks. And you? (Very standard)
- Good, how are you?
- I'm well, thank you.
- Not bad.
- Alright.
- Can't complain.
- More detailed answers are reserved for closer relationships or if the context invites it.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After asking How are you?:
- Listen to the response.
- Acknowledge the answer (Good to hear, Oh, sorry to hear that).
- Answer the reciprocal question (I'm doing well, thanks!).
After responding (Fine, thanks. And you?):
- Listen to the other person's answer.
- Continue the conversation on another topic.
Conversation Starter
- Yes.
- Extremely common as part of an initial greeting sequence.
Intonation
- Typically has a rising intonation at the end, indicating a question. How ARE you?
- Stress often falls on ARE.
- Can be said quickly and formulaically, or with genuine warmth and interest.
Generation Differences
- Universally used and understood by all generations.
Regional Variations
- Universal in English-speaking regions. In the UK and Australia, Alright? or You alright? often serves the same function in casual contexts.