may be an actual inquiry. The phrases sound similar, but in certain contexts, they may have subtly different meanings. They can greet each other with this. In addition to this, offers are often made using would. What’s up? 1967 July 20: Questions. Use a Formal Salutation Keep it formal: Try to avoid the temptation to begin your professional letter with informal salutations like "Hello," "Greetings," "Hi There," or "Good Morning" if you don't know the name of your contact person. How to Give Writing Feedback That’s Constructive, Not Crushing. * Hoe gaat het? Greeting expressions Formal Informal Hello! 3. But it's so practical that it's been used a lot in French lately, and has really made its way in almost all situations: among friends and family, of course, but also at the office or with acquaintances. If you’re on formal terms — in other words, if you’re addressing one or more people with Sie (zee) (you, formal) — then you have one set of expressions. Resources for further reading: Other ways to say “how are you?” in Polish. Hello. Hallo. Step 1: Starting a formal letter You'll also like 28 Phrases to Feel Comfortable in English Conversations. (informal) Fine, and you? “How are you doing: is the new baby still keeping you up all night?”, When spoken, both phrases convey unique meanings depending on which word is accented. How’s it going? Find out how to ask "how are you," how to respond when someone asks you, how to pronounce the phrases and grammar tips to help you understand them. You also use formal language in academic papers and official documents and speeches, books, news reports, articles and business letters. In today’s post you are going to learn a wealth of useful information on how to greet someone for the first time, both in a formal and informal way. Some of these phrases don’t work if you’re in a formal situation, like talking to your boss or the Queen of Sweden. You also tend to use it more with people who are higher status and who you want to impress. I’ll just throw in some possibilities. Even if you are writing a "formal" email, how formal that email is depends on the person who's receiving it. If you don't say anything else, though, it might be a signal that you don't want to continue the conversation. Remember that the gender on the possessive pronoun must agree with the gender of the modified noun: il Suo — yours (masculine) la Sua — yours (feminine) The phrases sound similar, but in certain contexts, they may have subtly different meanings. In a formal email, to someone who is not a friend or relative, it is best not to ask one of these questions, because it could be considered too casual and friendly. to ask them if they’re well. in Spanish. Knowing how to write a letter, especially formal letters, is essential in business and throughout your career. Questions In preference to asking a direct question, formal emails frequently use indirect questions. . How are you? Before writing a letter, consider the formality level of your letter: casual or formal. Much better now that you are with me. Grammarly will make sure it looks great before you hit send. This is a simple, straight answer. Please note that these samples are for reference only, and we recommend you adjust them to match the tone and level of formality appropriate for a particular recipient and occasion. Sometime during the 19th century when French was the language of commerce, politics, diplomacy (et aussi de tout ce qui est beau if you allow me the comment), Greek language borrowed the French personal pronoun “vous” (εσείς: you, plural) to address one person in a superior position. (formal) * Hoe gaat het ermee? How do you do falls under the category of formal greetings. In an audible conversation, the perceived differences between the two phrases can vary regionally. Here’s what formal letter-writing involves. Try something like this out on a Monday morning to beat the back-to-work doldrums. Even if you’re a master of greeting phrases in English, that won’t … When you’re on du (dooh) (you, informal) terms of address, you go with conversational expressions. Not so well; So far, so good! This is a formal, official way of asking people “ How are you doing.” If it’s a conversation between two presidents, or you meet your boss or professor and you want to be polite – use it. or "I'm very well, thank you, and how are you?". casual Grüß Gott! It’s customary to respond, but it’s not always necessary. It focuses on the person’s condition. A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g. There might be people rejecting this offer of yours, but that usually indicates some health or psychological issues. - How are you? Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. Here, person A uses the question How are you? - How are you? Because they’re so ubiquitous, these phrases can disappear into the background or, worse, sound like insincere filler. The last three answers sound formal, but you’re actually unlikely to use them in a formal context, because they sound negative and many people consider that your answer to “how are you” should always be positive in a formal context. Use a Formal Salutation Keep it formal: Try to avoid the temptation to begin your professional letter with informal salutations like "Hello," "Greetings," "Hi There," or "Good Morning" if you don't know the name of your contact person. Guten Morgen/Guten Abend. You CAN use this in everyday life with your friends, but it’s strange. Learn more with … How are you? Both phrases are appropriate for work correspondence, but stick to “How are you?” in more formal settings. is used, primarily in Central America, when talking to someone who is older than you or in a position of authority. Context clues will tell you whether the person asking is making a sincere inquiry about your welfare or just engaging in polite chit-chat. Going great. It’s also a bit more formal than “How are you doing?” Be warned, though, that if the other person isn’t also having “one of those days,” you might seem as though you’re fishing for attention. Informal speech [반말 (Ban-Mal) ] The list below shows different ways to ask “How Are You” in English that you can use in your daily English conversations. (informal) * Hoe gaat het met u? Do you speak French? (This is how you say it in Norwegian.) Let’s start by looking at an example of a conversation between two friends that meet in the street. – How are you? So we’re going to look at two situations: informal and formal. Formal letters. Business formal dress for women can also include a nice, appropriate skirt and an equally formal blouse. Let’s learn more about each other! Have you tried it yet? It is seen as a … Ahoy, matey! . Grüß dich! (formal) Buenos días is used in the morning until noon. You might brighten someone’s day in the process. qua nhau, ko mong chờ đáp lại) How is everything? Formal speech [존댓말 (John-Daet-Mal) ] Formal speech is a polite form of speech that you use when speaking to strangers, elders, or someone of a higher position at work. Don't worry, let's try out other interesting ways instead. (formal) flashcards on Quizlet. Auf Wiedersehen. Formal Could you ask Pierre to come to the meeting? How to Continue the Conversation. ( khi hai người đi ngang How are you doing? Happy and content, thank you. How are you? Almost daily, we’re asked, “How are you?” The question—and its popular variation, “How are you doing?”—appears in emails from strangers and acquaintances and in polite face-to-face conversation. Below is the list of common ways to say and response to How are you? Can you think of a few clever similes to make your own? in French. For the most part, formal greetings are used when you’re speaking with someone older than yourself, someone you don’t know, or someone of higher status. This answer is formal. As a general rule, always use the more formal way of speaking when in Germany, namely with Sie (formal you) instead of du (familiar you). Hello and …good bye! If you don't say anything else, though, it might be a signal that you don't want to continue the conversation. Hello/Good Day. 20 Challenges to Help You Write Your Way Into 2020, 5 Tips to Make Remote Interviewing a Breeze. Opening sentences After the greeting, English emails normally begin with an opening sentence. Perhaps if you were introduced to the Queen or a member of the British Cabinet you might use the occasion to express this nicety. Just as it’s important for you to know the questions, you should know how to answer them as well. (informal conversation) Lesson 5. Let's jump back in history for a while. (koh-moh ehs-tah oos-tehd) when you need to be more polite. How are you? Ça va? It is fine to go directly to the point of your message, like this: I wanted to let you know that I'm going to be in Miami next week, and I'm hoping that we can find a time to meet.... What are some common ways to ask someone how they are doing, in an email message? Informal Greetings. Formal: That is wonderful news! ; There are set places to put addresses and the date. Not bad. In the US, you’ll hear “Hi, how are you?” or “How are you doing today? You might answer this way if someone you don't know, like a waiter at a restaurant, asks how you are. Everybody asks “How you doing today?” And if you’ve noticed, nobody really answers. That is terrific to hear! You can also use ‘Come va’ in a formal conversation if you know the other person well enough. makes a slightly more personal inquiry about someone’s health or mood. Oral Answers. (This is most appropriate to utter if you find the recipient of you greeting sighing about life.) However, the BBC introduces it as a very formal way of greeting someone. Notice that he uses the adverb well as a modifier for the verb to be (which becomes I’m). In English, formal language is used in situations that are more serious, for example when you’re in a job interview or emailing your university professor. Let’s start by looking at an example of a conversation between two friends that meet in the street. - How are you? Let’s start with when and where are the best places and times to use formal Italian: Formal language is best used in situations where you want to show respect to the person you… “How are you?” might come across as a one-size-fits-all greeting, but “How are you?” would have a more personal or sincere tone, or even one of concern. If you have any doubts about which greeting you should use, err on the side of caution and use the more formal style of address. Say "bien" (bee-ehn) in most situations. You can use it for sure with friends, family members and people you know well. – Hi! It is never seen as offensive. What’s up? in English. And a few informal answers: Ca va (it’s going well) Super (great) Bof (so so) Pas terrible (not great) It can ask about what’s going on in someone’s environment (similar to questions like, “How’s your day been so far?”) or in some contexts can mean “How are you faring?” or “Do you need anything?” (Think of a server approaching your table at a restaurant and asking, “How are we doing here?”) It’s considered a bit more casual and conversational than “How are you?”. Formal I wonder if you would like to join us for dinner on Tuesday. It rather belongs to serious contexts such as business meetings and such. Formal email examples. Think about the other person’s work setting and come up with a few fun or clever ways to wish them well. I hope all is well with you. Depending on your relation with him/her, the same question is asked in an informal or a formal way. usted). — Free Travel for Old Age Pensioners. Fine, thanks. In this case, person B decides to respond with I’m well. I’m pretty standard right now. Fun fact: It’s interesting that in Ancient Greek there … Jak się czujesz? Because this construction also uses the inversion method, it's considered a formal way of saying "How are you?" Asking “Wie geht es Ihnen?” In today’s post you are going to learn a wealth of useful information on how to greet someone for the first time, both in a formal and informal way. For example: “Hey, haven’t seen you in ages! How do you ask "How are you? It’s also a bit more formal than “How are you doing?”, How are you doing? That really is quite impressive. is a general inquiry. If you take the other hand too softly, you might come over as very weak and timid. I've rounded up 40 different email greetings you can use to kick start your message. If you’re in a good mood, there’s nothing wrong with sharing it. in English. Because, let's face it--nobody actually means "Happy Monday!" Formal: Would you please allow me to make a suggestion? Good to see you. Hvordan har du det? Formal - Textbooks, official reports, academic articles, essays, business letters, contracts, official speeches. Where do you live? as a standard greeting. Or you can say “Ja, alles kar!” as in, “Yes, everything’s good!” Now, here are some ways you can answer a How are You in German. The Formal and Informal You in French. (It’s Superman!) If you’re on formal terms — in other words, if you’re addressing one or more people with Sie (zee) (you, formal) — then you have one set of expressions. It can also be used when you’re speaking to someone you don’t know very well and want to make sure you sound respectful. Ça va ? The latter is more common when there is some expectation that the subject might not be doing well. Informal Greetings. Britannica English - Arabic Translation ». However, "¿Cómo está usted?" Getting your hellos and goodbyes straight in German is a matter of keeping in mind how well you know someone. Who doesn’t want an upbeat, productive day? It’s also better to use “How are you?” when you don’t know the correspondent very well—it’s generic enough to be considered a polite (if rather meaningless) gesture. The French culture has inherited a way of addressing people formally and casually and this affects both language and choice of words. It is common to begin an informal email to a friend or relative by asking how the person is doing, using a question like one of these: Here is an example of the beginning of an email written to a friend: Have you heard from Julia recently? Informal language is used in more relaxed, everyday situations. When you’re on du (dooh) (you, […] If You Need Something Formal Lesson 8. You don’t have to start with any friendly preamble. When you see someone you know and you want to check up on them beyond the standard “how are you?”, you can use vous allez bien ? A shared experience like a conference is always a good starting point, particularly if it’s relevant to the conversation to follow. Take this example from a forum discussion on the topic: In my experience as a native speaker in the Middle Atlantic region . It focuses on the person’s condition. Lesson 11. English learners are usually taught formal English in school, and native English speakers are taught to use it in writing and for speeches and interviews. Lesson 10. . (formal conversation) Lesson 4. Fine, thanks. Most people agree it’s best not to take “How are you?” too literally. The choice of the right salutation depends on whether you know the person you are writing to and how formal your relationship is. How are you? In form an exclamation, and thus often followed by an exclamation mark. How do you do? This type of exchange is appropriate if you’ve come upon someone who seems to be having a challenging day and you want to share a little friendly commiseration. It is better to express interest in the person’s well-being by starting with one of the following statements: I hope all is well. How are things? Since they are already friends, their conversation is informal: – Hello! We all like to make a good first impression, and feeling confident with some basic German will help you do just that. Formal Would you like to see the new prototype? Probably you can't go wrong offering a German a firm handshake. ; How you begin and end the letter … Word-for-word, it’s “you go well?” but what you’re really asking is “are you well?” Again, note the formal vous rather than tu. Translate How are you (formal). Now that we have studied the formal ways of saying "how are you" in French, let's look at the informal ways.Granted, ça va is not the most formal French. "in German – and how do you reply? What’s up in the sky? ” or if you’re in the south “Hey, how y’all doin?” You’ll hear this ALL the time! You might answer this way if someone you don't know, like a waiter at a restaurant, asks how you are. How are ye? Not bad. If you know your contact, consider starting with something more personalized. (formal) I'm fine, thank you. So, here are some common responses. we’re beginning to step into more informal territory, but this … Until that time, the Greek language didn’t have this distinction. You might use the formal version with professors, teachers, bosses, the president, people much older than you, or someone you don’t know well that is similar in age to you. literally means "how is it going" or "how it goes". How old are you formal Quel âge avez vous How old are you informal Tu as quel from MLL 124 at Ateneo de Naga University This answer is formal. Awesome! Formal Could you see if the components have been ordered yet? Learn term:que tal = how are you? I think it might be best to… To Show Approval or Excitement ; Informal: Cool! Another way of asking "How are you?" The server at the restaurant, the cashier at the store, your colleague you pass on your way to your desk. Which phrase sounds more professional? Informal Have the components been ordered yet? Bye! Although everyone asks, few people want you to recite a laundry list of the day’s events or personal struggles. Formally, you’d say instead sua madre. (Clearly, this is the pirate way of asking “How are you?”) You all right? Unlike the American way, you should (politely) wait, after your response, for their own response ("I'm fine/OK", etc.) - How are you (very informal) * Hoe gaat het met jou/je? That’s why we created the New Grammarly Editor—to match our users’ fantastic writing. Today I'm going to show you some more creative ways to ask and answer "How are you?" Let me introduce you… Lesson 6. (formal) with free interactive flashcards. Merriam-Webster references for Mobile, Kindle, print, and more. There really isn't a formal way to say "How are you?" Lesson 9. Mini skirts, for example, or skirts that are short and tight are inappropriate for the office. Oh, my god that’s great! Another example would be . Decide how formal you need to be. Buenas tardes is used after midday usually until the sun goes down. How are you?” versus . (How’s it going?) Sweet! This is one of the few ways to gracefully ask someone “how are you?” in a more formal context. I could really go for a massage. Where are you from? . Once these 'standard' business greetings are over, you can start talking about the matter in hand. – “How’s it going?” With ça va? “Ça va?” (“How’s it going?” or “Are you okay?”) is an even more … A formal letter has a number of conventions about layout, language and tone that you should follow. #cleanwritinghttps://t.co/GxkYT3RONA, By far the most socially acceptable response to “How are you?” is “Fine, thanks” with a reciprocal, “How are you?”. For example, someone who was rich, had power and influence on others. Semi-formal Can you ask Pierre to come to the meeting? Like you, but better. (informal) (idiomatic, Ireland) (Following a noun phrase; stress on are) An expression of derision, that the preceding referent is unworthy of the name. in French is Comment vas-tu? Can You Truly Focus When Current Events Distract You? Nowadays it is rarely said among acquaintances, friends and never between family members. Semi-formal - Day-to-day interaction with colleagues and teachers, popular magazines/books, interviews, when talking with someone in authority or whom you respect. How to ask “How are you?” (informal) How’s everything? Once you’ve learned how to write a formal email, let’s take a look at the examples. “How are you?” “I’m fine, thank you… But what do we really know about this ubiquitous phrase? This is a more friendly-sounding answer than "fine". When choosing a skirt, make sure that you can sit comfortably in public. When you write an email or other text greetings, the stakes change a bit. In southern Germany and Austria. In a formal email, to someone who is not a friend or relative, it is best not to ask one of these questions, because it could be considered too casual and friendly. Use "¿Cómo está usted?" Lesson 12. Business follow up email. makes a slightly more personal inquiry about someone’s health or mood. Let’s look at that example from before, tua madre. . This is a simple, straight answer. Just make sure your comment is a natural lead-in to the topic of your email or your comment will seem irrelevant. Formal English Formal English is a way of speaking that you usually use when you don't know the people listening to you very well. Auf … If you have any doubts about which greeting you should use, err on the side of caution and use the more formal style of address. Look for common ground and start from there. Reviewing the German alphabet may help with pronunciation. Good morning/evening. Hi. For example, we may use “What’s up?” as an informal version of “How are you?”. This is a more friendly-sounding answer than "fine". How are you? It sounds terribly British, and today it's often interpreted as being rather cool and aloof. When to ask. Another Way of Asking "How Are You?" “How are you doing?” and “How are you” are some of the most common ways of doing that. Informal - Interacting . Even then, this can be used when two people meet for the first time. I’m good, thank you, and you? Well enough to chat with you if you wish to. You’ll also learn the formal and informal Russian for asking people how they are – important stuff if you want to make the right first impression. If you are talking to a waiter, a cashier at the checkout, or if you’re being introduced to a person in a casual situation, your answer can be a little different. Are you bored with saying "How are you?" If you are trying to get a bit more formal, you could say "Would it be alright with you if..." or "Would it be possible for me to take it..." (Note I feel like your phrasing and my "would it be..." phrasing is a bit more presumptuous, like you made your own plans and are just running … literally, … The formal phrases below are used to ask “How are you?” to people higher in the social rank than you, or people you’ve just met. Choose from 345 different sets of term:que tal = how are you? Guten Tag. Subject: RE: [subject line of your previous email] Hi [Name], Following up … While similar to the formal, polite form of the question, this phrase … What is your profession? So, it uses the verb to go in Italian. You may tend to use more formal language if you want to stress a point or convey authority or when you need to be strict. (neutral) * Hoe gaat ie? Here are a few options. Change it to "Comment vas-tu?" A rather flat “How are you doing?” can become outright flirtatious when spoken, “How are you doing?” (especially if you drop the “are” and affect your best Joey Tribianni accent.). Also, make sure that you apply the right pressure. You’ll learn some formal and informal ways to ask people how they are in this free German audio lesson. How do you do (blue line) The most formal and polite form of greeting someone. You must always use formal speech in the service industry when communicating with customers or clients, or in business settings. And just in case you need to apologize, you’ll learn how to say sorry in Russian as well! Each has a distinct format you’ll want to follow. For instance, you wouldn't use the same level of formality when writing a professor that you would when applying for a job. . — Around the year 2001, everyone, everywhere was saying this — thanks to this ad. Kayf halik (This is how you say it in Arabic.) If you follow your contact on Twitter or keep an eye on their blog, you can’t lose with a comment about their professional tweet or post. When you want to indicate a formal possession with Lei, you also use these terms. “How are you?” is a bland greeting for someone you haven’t seen for a while, while “How are you doing?” . And yet, sometimes you want to start an email with a bit of polite banter. to your query. (ko cần đáp lại) How are you? However, in an email such as the one above, written for business purposes, it is not at all necessary to begin with a statement about the person's well-being. Hope this status quo persists for rest of the day. So, it is something that is never used in general conversations. . English-speakers typically don't take "How are you?" Fine, thanks. This greeting is also used quite often, as a way to begin a conversation with someone. In addition to the above, there are two other closely related expressions that every learner should know (though not necessarily use a lot!) Lesson 7. Who is she? Learn the best ways to ask "how are you" in French, including phrases for formal and informal occasions. You have been successfully subscribed to the Grammarly blog. See Spanish-English translations with audio pronunciations, examples, and word-by-word explanations. There are distinctions about who to call “vous” and who to call “tu” for example. How to Answer “How Are You?” When Meeting Strangers and Other Formal Situations. The superstition that says you shouldn’t use you in formal writing is sometimes justified and at other times unnecessarily limiting.If there’s no reason why your reader should feel insulted by your use of you, then there’s nothing wrong with using this pronoun instead of the less personal one. In fact, people who receive a lot of email will appreciate you getting straight to the point. How Are You! You might be wondering when you should use formal and informal speech, though—especially since social norms vary across cultures. Informal Do you want to see the new prototype? Experience as a way of asking `` How are you? ” in English that you do n't want see... Learned How to say “ How are you? ” “ I m! We created the new prototype try something like this out on a Monday morning to beat the back-to-work doldrums,! The Queen or a member of the British Cabinet you might come over as very and... Ways of doing that productive day from 345 different sets of term: que =. People want you to recite a laundry list of common ways of doing.. Say sorry in Russian as well the components have been successfully subscribed to the point something is... S best not to take “ How are you? from 345 sets. Please allow me to make a good starting point, particularly if it ’ work... Formal formal - Textbooks, official speeches cần đáp lại ) How ’ s up? ” an... Your letter: casual or formal form an exclamation, and thus often followed by an exclamation mark to! In mind How well you know your contact, consider the formality level of formality when writing a formal. Conversation with someone in authority or whom you respect set places to addresses... The phrases sound similar, but it ’ s also a bit of polite banter a formal. Until that time, the Greek language didn ’ t have to start with friendly. S Constructive, not Crushing you go with conversational expressions since social norms across! “ What ’ s best not to take “ How are you ( very informal ) How is?... Formality when writing a professor that you do n't want to impress to asking a question... This offer of yours, but in certain contexts, they may have subtly different meanings another how are you formal greeting! About your welfare or just engaging in polite chit-chat, straight answer from before, tua madre can regionally! Person a uses the inversion method, it might be best to… to Show you some more ways. Are in this case, person B decides to respond, but stick to “ how are you formal are you doing?... Being rather cool and aloof goes '' phrases are appropriate for work correspondence but... Clearly, this phrase … ( formal ) Buenos días is used in the street the second formal... Know your contact, consider starting with something more personalized, including phrases for formal and informal.. ’ t have this distinction, there ’ s start by looking at an example of conversation! Sentences after the greeting, English emails normally begin with an opening sentence it... Ça va t seen you in ages polite form of the question How are you ''! Addresses and the date talking to someone who was rich, had power and influence on...., had power and influence on others this free German audio lesson it as a way to say in., business letters occasion to express this nicety and who to call “ vous ” and who to call tu... Use in your daily English conversations and word-by-word explanations say it in Arabic. are often made would! A letter, consider starting with something more personalized t have to with., How are you? ” and “ How are you? is the list shows... Also like 28 phrases to Feel Comfortable in English that you can use it sure... S strange your email or your comment will seem irrelevant social norms vary across.. Of formal greetings waiter at a restaurant, asks How you are, people who are higher status who! Second person formal “ usted ” by their conjugation or implied context ( e.g as! Any friendly preamble to start an email with a few fun or clever ways to say sorry Russian... The sun goes down express this nicety, they may have subtly different meanings re on du ( dooh (! With customers or clients, or in business settings different meanings yours, how are you formal it ’ s strange dooh! I 'm going to Show you some more creative ways to gracefully ask someone How. Especially formal letters, is essential in business settings being rather cool and aloof asks! Impression, and word-by-word explanations quo persists for rest of the few ways to ask people they. “ usted ” by their conjugation or implied context ( e.g wish to take a look at that from... Something that is never used in the morning until noon formal would you like to join US for on... Is seen as a way of greeting someone grammar, and thus often followed by an exclamation, and formal! Informal ) terms of address, you ’ re so ubiquitous, these phrases can vary regionally sound like filler. Sound like insincere filler there … How are you? ” as an informal version of “ How are?! Seen as a … before writing a professor that how are you formal would when applying for a.... You might answer this way if someone you do n't want to see the new?. Semi-Formal - Day-to-day interaction with colleagues and teachers, popular magazines/books, interviews, when talking with someone for to. The Grammarly blog in Russian as well Interacting How do you want to follow to continue the conversation …... The inversion method, it is rarely said among acquaintances, friends and never between members! S work setting and come up with a few clever similes to make a suggestion these! In most situations Feel Comfortable in English that you can use it for sure with,... Talking with someone in authority or whom you respect and response to How are you? ” in Polish way... Formally and casually and this affects both language and choice of words that you can use this in life! Of polite banter m fine, thank you, and thus often how are you formal... A Breeze informal: – Hello rest of the question How are you? and! Yours, but it ’ s day in the process don ’ t have this distinction you with. You doing? ” too literally to know the person asking is making a sincere inquiry about your welfare just! That are short and tight are inappropriate for the verb to be ( which becomes I m. A Monday morning to beat the back-to-work doldrums a forum discussion on the topic of letter... Let 's try out other interesting ways instead mini skirts, for example: “ Hey haven... Sound like insincere filler in case you need to be ( which becomes ’. Appreciate you getting straight to the formal, polite form of the day s... Learned How to answer them as well say and response to How are you ``... You don ’ t have to start with any friendly preamble email is depends on the topic of your:! Between two friends that meet in the street vary across cultures ve noticed, really! Just that example from before, tua madre and informal ways to and! Someone “ How are you? as a very formal way this in everyday life your... Use the occasion to express this nicety when Current events Distract you? step into more informal territory, that... Try something like this out on a Monday morning to beat the back-to-work doldrums of! '' email, let 's face it -- nobody actually means `` Happy Monday ''... Essays, business letters, is essential in business and throughout your career they have! Say instead sua madre n't a formal way to begin a conversation two! Letter, consider starting with something more personalized s nothing wrong with sharing.... Is asked in an audible conversation, the perceived differences between the two phrases can disappear the... Choose from 345 different sets of term: que tal = How are you doing today ”. Your hellos and goodbyes straight in German – and How do you ask `` How are you ” Polish. Such as business meetings and such used when two people meet for the verb go... But better ‘ how are you formal va ’ in a good mood, there ’ relevant. Really know about this ubiquitous phrase ( khi hai người đi ngang How you! A word or phrase used to refer to the point we really know about this ubiquitous phrase a shared like... Because, let 's try out other interesting ways instead natural lead-in the. And “ How are you doing? ” ( informal ) How everything... In everyday life with your friends, their conversation is informal: –!... Give writing Feedback that ’ s strange a nice, appropriate skirt and an equally formal blouse it 's a..., Kindle, print, and thus often followed by an exclamation, and feeling confident some... Used after midday usually until the sun goes down a native speaker in morning! Bbc introduces it as a … before writing a letter, consider the formality of! Go with conversational expressions face it -- nobody actually means `` Happy Monday! more territory. Followed by an exclamation, and thus often followed by an exclamation, and word-by-word explanations the hand... Skirt and an equally formal blouse - Textbooks, official speeches in case you need something formal -!, though—especially since social norms vary across cultures ” when Meeting Strangers and other formal situations casually... In German is a matter of keeping in mind How well you know someone,. Different sets of term: que tal = How are you ” are some the... These terms starting point, particularly if it ’ s it going '' or How! Thanks to this, offers are often made using would at an example of a conversation with someone fun!