One of the first things you learn in Portuguese is how to say “how are you?” right? But do you know the correct responses?

Let’s explore three different ways to inquire about someone’s well-being, to help you navigate these conversations with ease and charm.

“Como está?” – How are you?

Pronounced as “koh-moh es-TA?”, this classic phrase is a go-to option when checking in on someone’s mood or overall state of being. It’s like extending a friendly hand towards the other person and showing genuine interest in their well-being.

“Está tudo bem?” – Is all well?

When you want to ask if everything is going smoothly for someone, this question, pronounced as “es-TA too-doo beyn?”, comes to the rescue. It’s like a gentle pat on the back, making sure everything is in order and offering support if needed.

“Tudo bem?” – Is all well?

For those casual encounters or when time is of the essence, the shortened version “Tudo bem?” (Too-doo beyn?) works wonders. It’s a friendly and light-hearted way to ask how someone is doing without diving into a lengthy conversation.

Learning Portuguese requires, practice and patience, and if you are persistent it will pay off in the end. So don’t give up!

Now let’s take a look at the most common responses to the greetings above.

Responses:

Okay, so it is all very well asking somebody how they are, but what about when they reply?

Here are the corresponding responses to the above questions. Be sure to learn them well as this will help you a lot further down the line.

Como está?

“Estou bem. E você, como está?” – I am well. And you, how are you?
Once you’ve asked “Como está?”, be prepared for a reciprocal inquiry. Respond with a smile and say, “Estou bem” (I am well), followed by “E você, como está?” (And you, how are you?). It’s a pleasant way to keep the conversation flowing and demonstrate your consideration for the other person.

Está tudo bem?

“Está. E consigo?” – It is. And with you?
In response to “Está tudo bem?”, you might hear a simple “Está” (It is) and a follow-up question: “E consigo?” (And with you?). This reply is concise yet meaningful, keeping the conversation balanced and showing reciprocal concern for the other person’s well-being.

Tudo bem?

“Tudo. E consigo?” – All (everything). And with you?
In response to “Tudo bem?”, you might hear the upbeat reply, “Tudo” (All) and a follow-up question: “E consigo?” (And with you?). This exchange keeps things breezy while still expressing mutual interest in each other’s well-being.

Saying “How are you?” in European Portuguese allows you to engage in with others. Whether you choose to use “Como está?”, “Está tudo bem?”, or the abbreviated “Tudo bem?”, the key is to embrace the opportunity to connect with others and show genuine care. So go ahead, venture into these delightful exchanges and let the conversations flourish with warmth and charm.