"How are you?"

When we meet somebody we know it's polite to ask a question or two about their health and their life.

There are many different phrases in English for doing this.

Ten ways to say "How are you?"

casual · neutral · formal

How are you?neutralGood morning, Mrs. Silva. How are you?
How are things?casualHi Nimal! How are things at home?
How's things?casualHow's things at the new job?
How's it going?casualHey machan, how's it going?
How are you getting on?neutralHow are you getting on at university?
How have you been?neutralI haven't seen you since the wedding. How have you been?
What have you been (getting) up to?casualWhat have you been up to since you came back from Dubai?
I hope everything's okay?neutralYou didn't answer my calls. I hope everything's okay?
Alright?casualAlright? Long time no see.
How have you been keeping?neutralHow have you been keeping, Uncle?

How to use them

is the best known phrase. It's useful to learn some of the others on this page as well.
is a general inquiry about the other person's health and life. Your answer could be about your health, your work or your personal life.
is similar to but the "incorrect" grammar makes it much more informal.
are asking about the other person's life (work or personal life).
is really asking about health but the other person may answer with general information about their life.
is really asking about what kind of activities the other person has been doing recently. It more often refers to their home life, not work.
are asking about health and life with a yes / no question. is much more informal than .
is more formal but still sincere and friendly and is asking about the other person's health.

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See also: "I'm fine" · Making small talk

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