The year was 2004.
It was my first year as a teacher.
And, as usual, I was late for my class.
I burst through the door of Prague Language Center.
And as I flew past the reception desk I said a polite “How are you” to Renata the receptionist.
And guess what Renata said?
A lot!
She told me about her elbow, her grandmother, her cat, her boyfriend…
That is definitely NOT how you should answer this very common English question.
In fact, this question is not really a question at all.
It’s another way of saying “Hello.”
So how should you answer it?
Share in the comments how YOU answer this common English question.
(But please don’t tell me about your elbow!)
Cheers,
Mr. Vig
I am fine .Have a great day!
“How are you” has always been very confusing for me in English. Really, what to answer to a question that is asked but you don’t want to know the answer!!!! What do you answer when someone asks, are you sick? have you moved to another city yet? has your father died? have you changed your lipstick?… when in fact the person asking doesn’t want to know the answer:) I’ve heard that too. OK, what do I answer to How are you? Usually I answer then … “I’m OK”, because I’m trying to adapt to the language culture. But this answer is empty, meaningless and silly. Why let out empty steam? I’ve been taught that if you don’t have anything smart to say, just shut up:)
😂
Exactly!
I am good. What about you.
Not bad, thanks. And how are you?
I’m fine, and you?
I’m fine, thanks, surviving global warming and try to manage the situation..!
I usually answer „I‘m fine / good, thank you.“, but sometimes I feel like going on and adding “And how are you? or What about you?”.
I was visiting family in the USA for the first time, staying with them in their rented flat. On the early second morning as I was leaving the building taking the dog outside, the hurrying young man met me at the gate and said – And how are you doing today?… – I froze for a second, not expecting conversation with anyone, then tried to find the words for the real answer for another 2 seconds, took a deep breath and turned in his direction…but he was gone, just from the nearby garage I could hear his car already moving.
It’s funny today, but at the time I really thought that he’s interested about my wellbeing…maybe even my elbow…
Now I know for years that it’s not really a question, but a form of greeting, but deep in my mind I still feel it as an inappropriate expression. Sometimes it prompts me to rebel a bit, and answer by simple Hello, or Good morning to you too…Just not to accept this silly game!
(How are you) is fore me more a question than to say hallo to someone and i have a feeling no one want´s to now !But I use to say when i answer ím good thanks and also add and you!
What about ( Hi nice to se you). Is anyone saying how do you do anymore vey formel i think!
I prefer when people saying hi or hallo with a smile!
perhaps.. what’s up? 🙂
When I ask ” how are you?” to my american friend, she answer: do you want the short version or the long version?
I think this answer is very democratic!
she replies/ answers
Thanks, Im fine and you ? Or : Thanks, quite well and how are you ?
Dont worry.”, I have elboow, cats too.
Hi, I,m fine, how are you?