How are you different ways to say

19 Awesome Ways To Say: How Are You in Russian

How are you? Are you good? Good! Asking how someone is a very common question. It’s used every day around the world. And, there are TONS of way to ask it.

Here’s why you should know the different ways to ask this question.

So in this lesson you will learn the 19 Ways to ask How Are You in Russian. So, if you already know how to say hello in Russian, learning how to ask “how are you” is the next step. Ready? Let’s go.

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1. How are you? Как дела?

The next phrase you’ll learn is a variation of this.

2. How are you? (gentle) Как делишки?

3. How are you doing? (formal) Как Вы поживаете?

You CAN use this in everyday life with your friends, but it’s strange. Why? It’s too polite, to the extent of … why are you being “formal” with a close friend? Odd choice of words, bro. So, use #5.

4. How are you doing? (casual) Как ты поживаешь?

So, it’s better to change <Вы>to <ты>and ask:

Now, it’s ok to use with people that you know well. But, we can go even shorter with this phrase.

5. How are you? (super casual) Как ты?

6. How are things? Как Ваши дела?

7. How are things? (casual) Как Твои дела

8. How are you doing?/How is your mood? Как настроение?

You can also say < как твое настроение >or < как Ваше настроение >. Make sure you roll the if you want to say it properly.

9. What’s new? Что нового?

Ask this if you haven’t seen some person for a bit of time. This phrase is formal so young people (friends) don’t use it much. But, on TV (news or sport events) it’s popular.

10. How’s it going? Вы как?

Very short and easy to remember. You can use it with your friends. Use it when talking to one person or a group of people.

11. How’s your life going? Как живется?

Just like the English version, this has the same meaning and usage. Elderly typically say it a lot but it’s not a problem if you use it also. It sounds nice and polite.

12. How’s life? Как жизнь?

Just like “ Как живется? ” but this phrase is more common. It’s not a formal so if you meet your really close friend – use it… even if you see this person every day!

Alright, the next set of phrases are slang.

13. What’s up? (slang) Как сам?

14. Howdy! (slang) ты как?

15. You alright? (slang) че там?

16. Alright mate? (slang) как там?

All of the above are slang ways of asking How are you in Russian. Young people, especially boys and men, use these. If you see a close friend – you can say some of them. They’re modern and fun, and as bonus for you, you sound more native.

The next few phrases come from the English language and English slang.

17. How are you? (taken from English) Хау а ю?

18. What’s up? (taken from English) вотсап?

19. Wharrup? (taken from English) ворап?

Everyone around the world is familiar with these phrases. Russians too. Now, honestly, Russians don’t use these much in everyday life. But, Youtube-vloggers and Russians that talk with English speakers like them.

Conclusion

And that’s it.

Do you know of any other ways to ask how are you in Russian? Please leave a comment below. I read all comments and I will add your suggestions to this list! Let’s make it a big one.

Feel free to print this article for your own review!

– the Main Junkie

P.S. I highly recommend this for Russian learners. If you REALLY want to learn to Russian with 1,000s of fun, easy audio/video lessons by real teachers – Sign up for free at RussianPod101 (click here) and start learning!

Different ways of asking ‘how are you?’ in English.

It is usual practice and polite in English to follow up a greeting (such as ‘hello’, ‘hi’ or ‘good morning’) with a ‘how are you?’ type question.

Unlike other cultures, you do not have to particularly know this person very well, or at all, to ask how they are. It is not considered being too familiar.

Often it is little more than a convention to get out of the way at the start of the conversation, and not much importance is attached to it.

If people ask, ‘how are you?” they often don’t expect you to reply, ‘well I’ve got a bad back and I’ve been feeling a bit depressed lately’. A brief ‘I’m OK and you?’ is what they’re usually expecting!

Because of this, many people learning English are just taught a standard formula: ‘how are you?’, ‘I’m fine, thanks and you?”

The trouble is, this can sound very monotonous and insincere if you repeat these same words each time – and you may be missing an opportunity to enhance your relationship with the other person or start off a conversation. This is why it is important to know a few other different ways of asking ‘how are you’ (and replying) in English.

Other ways of asking ‘how are you?’

1. How do you do?

After wishing “Good day”, traditionally people in Britain would pose the question ‘how do you do?’

The answer to this was pretty straightforward. You simply would reply ‘how do you do’ too!

2. How are you doing? Are you well?

Today, you are not limited to one or two polite formulas, you have a range of options to try out.

There is a phrase in English ‘variety is the spice of life’. Which means it is a lot more interesting if we do things differently from time to time.

So instead of inquiring, ‘how are you?’ you could try, ‘how are you doing?’ This is a bit more friendly way of asking the same question to a friend or someone you know quite well.

You could also use, ‘are you well?’

Like with everything, most of the meaning is in the intonation rather than the words. However, expressed well, this phrase could communicate that you care a little bit more. It is also quite direct and often seeks a positive and short answer! It can therefore be useful in business contexts with existing acquaintances.

3. You alright? How’s things/How’s it going?

If you are quite familiar with the other person, you could opt for a less formal ‘you alright?’, which usually elicits a ‘yes I’m alright, thanks’ reply.

‘How’s things?’ is another variant that you can use for a friend, which is a bit more open and invites the other person to be a bit more honest.

To set the conversation on a more positive and upbeat tone, you could alternatively query, ‘how’s it going?’ It is difficult to reply negatively to that!

4. How have you been (doing)?

If you haven’t seen someone for a long time that you appreciate (or want it to seem like you appreciate them!), you could come up with a ‘how have you been?’ or better still, ‘how have you been doing?” A pat on the back or on the shoulder may also reinforce your sincerity!

But, what if it’s a real friend who you haven’t seen for a long time? Well in such a case you could even scream, ‘how the hell are you?!’ or ‘how the devil are you?!’

5. How have you been getting on?

Certain situations may though require you to adapt your method of interrogation. If someone’s been very ill or had a death in the family, a sprightly ‘how are you?’ would be completely inappropriate.

If you’re not sure whether someone is all that well, you could inquire, ‘how are you getting on?’

This is also appropriate for someone who’s new to something – maybe they’ve just moved into the area, or have just started a new job. A boss or work colleague could also ask this of someone who is in the middle of a complex project or task.

If you know someone has not been well, you can adapt this question to ‘how have you been getting on?’ or ‘how are things (with you / at the moment)?’. Notice there is a big difference between a delicate ‘how are things?’ and a blunt ‘how’s things?’!

How do you reply?

1. I’m fine (yawn!)

Obviously the tone of your reply will be influenced by the tone of the question. If the other person has just asked the question out of politeness, he or she is probably expecting a direct reply in the same manner.

Your reply, however, can say a lot about yourself and, depending on the circumstances, give you an opportunity to open up and volunteer information, to fuel the conversation or to build rapport.

Firing back a simple ‘I’m fine and you’? destroys any chance of this in an instance!

If you always reply ‘I’m fine’ in the same way each time, you risk also being seen as insincere. You can at least try and vary it with your intonation or the use of other words. For example ‘ye-ah I’m fine thanks’ might suggest that you’re OK – though not particularly great.”

2. I’m OK / I’m alright

Saying ‘I’m fine’ can also sound quite formal and doesn’t sound very natural in most situations. Most people in a relatively casual situation would say ‘I’m OK’ or I’m alright, thanks.”

3. Not too bad!

It is very British too to use phrases like ‘not too bad’ or even ‘could be worse’. This could mean that they are in fact feeling on top of the world or have lost both legs in a car accident.

A lot, of course, depends on the tone. To indicate that things haven’t been too great, they may add ‘I suppose’ or ‘all things considering’ to the end of their response.

4.Be positive!

That being said, even in the UK it is becoming more acceptable now to give positive responses, such as ‘yeah, I’m doing well thanks’ or just a simple ‘great’ or ‘fantastic’.

If your happy reply is because of a specific reason, for example a new baby, a wedding or you’ve won the lottery, feel free to communicate this information too at this point! Although be mindful that you may make the other person feel bad in comparison or look like you’re showing off!

‘Yes, I’m (very/really) well thanks’ is a particularly appropriate reply in a business setting or an interview. Make sure though that you really say it with conviction!

You may also often hear “I’m good thanks”. Whilst this phrase is used by many people, particularly in the USA, be careful, as you are literally saying that you are good, as in the opposite of being evil, rather than you are well!

5.Honesty is sometimes the best policy

There are, however, some circumstances where you might want to be honest with the other person, particularly if it’s a friend or family member. You could say ‘well, to be honest, not that great actually’, ‘I’ve known better’ or ‘I’m OK now, but… (I’ve just come out of hospital / lost my grandfather….)

You may also wish to use this opportunity to connect with the other person by talking about current affairs or, a favourite with the British, the weather!

“Yeah, not too bad thanks, especially with the nice weather we’re having at the moment.”

“Yeah OK, thanks, despite England getting knocked out of the World Cup yesterday!”

Whatever you choose to reply, just make sure you thank the other person for asking and never, ever, forget to ask how they are too!

Ways to Say «How Are You» in Different Languages

One of the most commonly asked questions, «how are you» is most often, used as a greeting. In this Penlighten article, we give you the ways to say it in different languages.

One of the most commonly asked questions, «how are you» is most often, used as a greeting. In this Penlighten article, we give you the ways to say it in different languages.

More than a Question
How are you? is considered more of a greeting than a question. It is a polite way of acknowledging someone’s presence.

It is a courtesy to ask people about their well-being. “How are you doing?” and “How are you” are some of the most common ways of doing that. This greeting is also used quite often, as a way to begin a conversation with someone. Depending on your relation with him/her, the same question is asked in an informal or a formal way. For example, we may use “What’s up?” as an informal version of “How are you?”.

When traveling to different countries or meeting people from different cultures, you may need to use their language of communication. In such cases, knowing the most commonly used phrases or greetings is of help.

This Penlighten article tells you how to say “How are you?” is different languages. You could use these greetings on meeting people from other countries. Or you could use these with friends, just as a different way to greet them.

How are you different ways to say

Greeting another is one of the most important things we do in social interaction. Did you know that even cats and dogs greet? They touch their noses together, even with other animals!

Therefore, greeting someone in their own language is probably the best way to win immediate favor. Nearly every language has different ways to say hello, depending on what time of the day it is, what the situation is, and also who you address. Greetings can also differ according to dialect, such as American English vs British English, etc.

For the purpose of the article, we will focus on American greetings. We will only look at greetings when you meet someone, not at ways to say goodbye.

So, let’s look at some of the many ways to say hello in American English.

1. Formal Greetings

As the name suggests, formal greetings are used in more formal situations. This would be when you address someone you don’t know well, or who is senior to you in some way.

You would use this, for instance, when addressing your boss, or your elderly neighbour or a complete stranger who is older than you.

1- Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening

Other than these, there are not many formal or polite ways to say hello in English.

Literally, this greeting is a way to wish someone well. It is a short way of saying: “I wish you may have a good morning/afternoon/evening”.

How & When To Use It

As mentioned, this is a polite way to greet someone who is senior to you in some way. It’s not an error to greet a friend like this though, so don’t worry if you do! Further, you may or may not wish to offer your hand for a handshake if you meet the person for the first time.

If you choose, you could follow this greeting with a phrase such as: “How are you?” This means you’re asking after the person’s wellbeing. It’s a short way of asking “How are you doing?”

You could also follow with: “How have you been?” This phrase means the same as “How are you?”, but you would use it only if you have met the person before. It is short for “How have you been since we last saw one another?”

Another phrase with which to follow this greeting, is “It’s nice to see you again”. This you also say only to someone you already know or have met before.

What are the formal ways of greeting in your language?

Informal greetings are much more abundant in English.

2. Informal Greetings

Informal greetings are usually OK for casual situations, and is used upon meeting or seeing someone.

1- Hello!

Hello is one of older greetings around, even though it wasn’t originally used as such. It’s said to come from the German word “Hoi”, which was a way to attract someone’s attention, or to express surprise. Such as in: “Hoi! Where are you going?” or “Hoi, what is this?!”

Hello was initially used in the same way, but over time, it turned into a way to greet someone. Previously, in western countries, it was polite for men to also lift their hats in greeting!

How & When To Use It

2- Hi / Hey / Hi there!

This casual greeting is well known and popular around the world. You can use it in all informal situations, irrespective of who you address.

How & When To Use It

3- Howdy!

Of all the different ways of saying hello, this one certainly brings up images of cowboys, belt buckles and the famous southern American drawl! It is said to have originated in Texas as an informal greeting. The word ”Howdy” is a contraction of the more formal greeting phrase: “How do you do?”, and is a way to ask after someone’s wellbeing. It has become so popular that a Texan university uses it as a slogan.

How & When To Use It

Its use is pretty similar to “Hi”, in the sense that normally no answer is expected.

When you meet someone for the first time, or bump into a friend somewhere, this is an acceptable form of greeting in any casual situation. You could also offer your hand for a handshake.

If you really want to do it the Texan way, greet a group of friends with “Howdy, y’all!” Howdy can be used any time of the day. However, use it mostly with peers or older people you have already met and are on friendly terms with.

4- Hey, what’s up?!

This greeting serves a double purpose. It’s a way of saying hello, and it’s also a way of asking about what might be happening.

According to StackExchange, “What’s up?” has old origins: “In a letter written in 1838, the novelist Elizabeth Gaskell wrote I did not mention a word to Lucy but she must have guessed something was ‘up’“.

The phrase was made popular and probably widely known by the cartoon character, Bugs Bunny, with his signature phrase: “What’s up, Doc?” The contraction “Wassap?” is even more casual.

How & When To Use It

This phrase can be used any time of the day or night.

This way of saying hello is probably best used with people you know. That, or if you specifically want to know what’s going on with someone or something.

If you are friends with them, and your relationship is relaxed and casual, this is a suitable way to greet both young and old people.

5- Morning! / Evening!

This is the casual version of ”Good morning” and ”Good evening”.

How & When To Use It

As previously pointed out, these forms of greeting are dependent on the time of day. After sunrise, till around noon (12pm), you will greet someone with “Morning!”. From around 6pm, you will say “Evening!”

It is fairly safe to greet anyone this way, no matter of their age. You might not want to meet a dignitary or royalty like this, though.

6- Hey, long time no see!

This phrase is thought to have originated from pidgin English, and some consider it offensive and racist. However, it is widely used across the Americas today, and it literally means you haven’t seen someone for a long time.

It seemed to have appeared the first time in literature in W.F. Drannan’s book, Thirty-one Years on Plains, which was published in 1901: ‘When It we rode up to him he said: ‘Good mornin. Long time no see you’.The speaker is an American Indian. However, the phrase became popular only the last ten years or so.

How & When To Use It

When you haven’t seen a friend for a long time, this is an appropriate greeting.

It is perhaps more suitable to address your younger friends this way. That’s not to say that older people will necessarily be offended—if you know them well, and you have a more relaxed friendship, it should be fine!

7- Hi, how’s it going?

This greeting is an informal version of “How are you?” or “How have you been?” It’s also a different way of asking: “What’s up?”

How & When To Use It

Probably best used for your younger friends, or when you’re greeting a group of friends in a general sort of way. Often, when friends meet up, the ”Hi” falls away.

This is maybe not the best greeting if you really want to know what is going on in someone’s life. It’s simply an expression or a rhetorical question to which the speaker usually doesn’t expect any reply other than “Fine, thanks!”

8- Hey, how’s everything?

This greeting is a contraction of “How’s everything going?” It means the same as “How’s it going?” and is used in the same way.

Here, the ”Hey” also falls away when friends who know one another well meet!

”Yo!” was first used in the 1400s as an exclamation of incitement or warning. Apparently it originated among sailors. In the 1950s in the U.S., it became popular as a way to say ‘Hi!”’, or to show surprise. Much later, in the African-American community, it changed into an exclamation, “following or punctuating an utterance for emphasis or as a general conversational filler”, according to StackExchange.

How & When To Use It

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Are there different tones in which to say «How are you?» that reflect different situations?

I was wondering how many ways/tones to speak «How are you?»

Which tone/way to use in different situations:

For example, in this movie beauty-and-the-briefcase, at 30:15, Lane says «How are you?» to Seth and then Seth relies with a different way of «How are you?» Is Lane putting stress on «are»? In what kinds of situation will one stress «are», what kinds of situation will one stress «How», and what kinds for speaking like Seth?

1 Answer 1

Here are a few ideas.

Formal (to whatever level above you that requires some measure of obsequiousness)

Informal (to friends)

And so on. You almost never say «How are you?» to your friends, unless they’ve been ill or away and you have a legitimate reason for wondering about their health.

As for different tones:

Can mean either indifference or extreme interest. Look at the person’s face and decide for yourself. If you’re in the hospital it signifies interest. If at a fund-raiser for a political candidate, not so much.

Indicates a sudden focus of attention on you, as if you were The Most Interesting Man in The World or someone knows and likes you but hasn’t seen you for a while.

Indicates a correction to your misunderstanding of the unstressed «How are you?» in which you thought the person was asking «Who are you?»