how are you
Common conversation opener
A conversational greeting that asks about someone's well-being, though often no genuine inquiry is intended.
The expected response is typically brief and positive—Fine, thanks—rather than an honest account of one's condition.
Variants include how are you doing, how's it going, and the more casual how ya doin'.
In some contexts, particularly among closer acquaintances, the question invites a real answer.
- helloCommon spoken greeting
- heyInformal greeting or summons
- hiInformal spoken salutation
- howdyInformal rural greeting
- wellnessOverall state of health
health · politeness · what's up · what's new · mood · fine · concern · yo · check-in · courtesy · manners · small talk · okay · catching up · greetings · good morning · good afternoon · sup
- Common Phraseshello, goodbye, please, sorry, excuse me
- Pleasantriesplease, thanks, sorry, excuse me, hello
- chitchatsmall talk, banter, chitchat, chatter, chat
- Phrasebookhello, goodbye, please, yes, no
- stock phrasesstock phrase, set phrase, cliche, catchphrase, filler phrase
- social interactionshello, goodbye, talk, nod, chat