How to Respond to “¿Cómo Estás?”: 36 Replies for Any Situation

You hear it all the time—“¿Cómo estás?” Whether you’re chatting with Spanish-speaking friends, traveling, or just practicing the language, it helps to know the right way to reply. If you’ve ever wondered how to respond to “¿Cómo estás?”, the answer depends on the situation.

A simple “Bien, gracias” works, but there are plenty of other ways to express how you’re feeling. Whether you want to keep it casual, be polite, or add some personality, this guide will help you find the perfect response!

Casual Responses (Used with friends, family, and informal settings)

When speaking with friends, family, or peers in an informal setting, your response to “¿Cómo estás?” doesn’t have to be overly polite or structured. You can keep it light, natural, and even playful. Here are several ways to respond casually:

1. Bien, gracias. ¿Y tú? (Good, thanks. And you?)

This is the go-to response if you want to keep things simple yet polite. It acknowledges the question and naturally invites the other person to share how they are as well. Even in informal settings, it’s a good habit to return the question to keep the conversation balanced.

2. Todo bien. (All good.)

A short and easy response that suggests things are fine. It’s often used when you don’t feel like giving a detailed answer but still want to sound positive. You might hear this often in casual conversations among friends who don’t expect long responses.

3. Bien, ¿y tú cómo andas? (Good, how are you doing?)

This is a slightly more engaging way to return the question. The phrase “¿Cómo andas?” is an informal way of asking how someone is doing, commonly used in Latin America and Spain. It makes the conversation feel more natural and keeps it flowing.

4. Ahí voy. (I’m getting by.)

This response is perfect when you’re not feeling great but don’t want to get into details. It’s a way of saying things are okay, but perhaps you’re tired, stressed, or just having an average day. It can also imply that you’re managing, even if life is a bit hectic.

5. Más o menos. (So-so.)

If you’re feeling neutral—not particularly good or bad—this is a common way to express it. It suggests that your day has been okay but nothing exciting. It’s an honest yet casual response that doesn’t require much follow-up.

6. No me puedo quejar. (I can’t complain.)

A relaxed and slightly humorous way of saying things are going fine. Even if things aren’t perfect, this response implies that you’re choosing to stay positive. It’s often used when you don’t want to sound too enthusiastic but also don’t want to be negative.

7. Bien, pero cansado/a. (Good, but tired.)

A very common response, especially among people who have had a long day at work, school, or other activities. It acknowledges that you’re doing well but subtly hints at fatigue. This can be a great way to keep the conversation going, as the other person might ask why you’re tired, giving you a chance to share more.

Neutral Responses (When you don’t feel particularly good or bad)

Sometimes, you’re not feeling great, but you’re also not feeling bad—you’re just somewhere in between. In these situations, you might not want to sound overly positive or negative when responding to “¿Cómo estás?”. Here are six neutral responses that you can use to keep the conversation balanced:

1. Normal. (Normal.)

This is one of the simplest and most common ways to express that nothing special is happening. It means everything is just as usual—nothing too good or bad. People use this when they don’t have much to share but still want to acknowledge the question.

2. Así así. (So-so.)

This response expresses that you’re feeling just okay—not particularly happy, but also not sad. It’s often accompanied by a slight hand gesture, moving the palm up and down to reinforce the meaning. While commonly understood, in some regions like Spain, people might prefer saying “Más o menos” instead.

3. Nada nuevo. (Nothing new.)

This phrase is great when your day has been uneventful, and you don’t have much to update. It suggests that life is going on as usual, without any big changes or exciting events. It’s a simple and casual way to keep the conversation moving.

4. Aquí andamos. (Here we are.)

A very natural and commonly used phrase that implies you’re just going through your day. It can mean that things are okay, but not necessarily exciting. Depending on how you say it, it can even hint at a little tiredness or lack of enthusiasm without sounding too negative.

5. Regular. (Just okay.)

If you’re feeling neutral but don’t want to go into detail, “Regular” is a straightforward way to express it. It means that your day or mood is neither great nor terrible—just average. This response is often used when you don’t feel like elaborating on your emotions.

6. Sobreviviendo. (Surviving.)

This response adds a slightly humorous touch while still sounding neutral. It suggests that things are manageable but maybe not great. People often say this jokingly when they’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with work, studies, or daily responsibilities. It can help lighten the mood in a conversation.

Formal Responses (Used in professional or respectful settings)

In professional environments, formal events, or when speaking to elders and authority figures, it’s best to use polite and respectful responses to “¿Cómo estás?”. These responses are slightly more structured and show courtesy, making them ideal for workplace conversations, meetings, or polite interactions. Here are four formal ways to respond:

1. Muy bien, gracias. ¿Y usted? (Very well, thank you. And you?)

This is the safest and most appropriate response in a formal setting. The use of “usted” instead of “tú” shows respect, making it ideal for conversations with bosses, clients, teachers, or older individuals. It maintains politeness while keeping the conversation flowing.

2. Estoy bien, muchas gracias. (I am well, thank you very much.)

This is a slightly more complete way to express that you are doing well. The phrase “muchas gracias” adds a touch of warmth and gratitude, making the response sound more thoughtful and refined. It’s perfect for professional or business interactions.

3. Me encuentro bien, gracias por preguntar. (I am doing well, thank you for asking.)

This response is a bit more formal and thoughtful, acknowledging the other person’s interest in your well-being. “Me encuentro bien” sounds polite and professional, and “gracias por preguntar” adds appreciation, making it a great choice in respectful conversations.

4. Todo en orden, gracias. (Everything is in order, thank you.)

This response is commonly used in business or professional settings, especially when discussing work-related matters. It implies that everything is running smoothly without going into too much personal detail. It’s a good way to remain professional while still being courteous.

Positive Responses (When you’re feeling great and want to express enthusiasm)

When you’re in a great mood and want to express it, your response to “¿Cómo estás?” can be energetic and enthusiastic. These responses help convey happiness, excitement, and positivity, making your conversation more engaging. Whether you’re talking to a friend, colleague, or acquaintance, here are seven great ways to respond when you’re feeling fantastic:

1. ¡Genial! (Great!)

This is a simple yet enthusiastic response that conveys a genuinely good mood. It’s short, easy to say, and works well in both casual and slightly formal settings. If you want to add more excitement, you can emphasize it with “¡Genial, gracias!” (Great, thanks!).

2. ¡Excelente! (Excellent!)

A more intense version of “genial”, this response expresses that you’re not just doing well—you’re doing amazing. It’s a great option if you want to sound optimistic and energetic, especially in work or social settings where positivity is encouraged.

3. ¡Maravilloso! (Wonderful!)

This response adds a touch of elegance and excitement. It’s often used when something particularly good has happened. If you want to add warmth, you can say “¡Maravilloso, gracias por preguntar!” (Wonderful, thanks for asking!).

4. ¡Nunca mejor! (Never better!)

This phrase strongly expresses that you’re feeling fantastic. It implies that things are going so well that they’ve never been better. This response works well when you want to emphasize your happiness in a conversation.

5. ¡Fantástico! (Fantastic!)

If you’re feeling great and want to spread the positivity, “¡Fantástico!” is a fun and lively way to respond. It works well in both casual and professional settings, showing enthusiasm while keeping it friendly.

6. ¡De lujo! (Amazing/Luxurious!)

This is a more informal and expressive way to say you’re doing great, often used in Spain and some Latin American countries. It conveys the idea that things are going incredibly well, almost luxuriously so. It’s a fun way to add flair to your response.

7. Contento/a. (Happy.)

If you’re feeling genuinely happy but don’t want to sound overly excited, this is a simple yet meaningful response. Saying “Estoy contento/a” (I’m happy.) makes your response sound warm and positive without being too exaggerated.

Negative Responses (When you’re not feeling great but still polite)

There are times when you’re not feeling your best, but you still want to keep the conversation polite and respectful. Instead of simply saying “mal” (bad), you can use these responses to express that you’re not doing great while maintaining a neutral or considerate tone. Here are six ways to reply when you’re not feeling 100% but still want to be courteous:

1. No muy bien. (Not very well.)

This is a direct but polite way to indicate that you’re not feeling great. It’s simple and doesn’t invite too many follow-up questions, making it useful when you don’t want to go into details. If you want to soften it, you can say “No muy bien, pero aquí estamos” (Not very well, but I’m managing.)

2. He tenido días mejores. (I’ve had better days.)

This response expresses that things aren’t going well, but in a more neutral, reflective way. It implies that you’ve been doing better in the past without sounding overly negative. It’s a good choice when you want to acknowledge feeling off without bringing down the conversation.

3. Un poco estresado/a. (A little stressed.)

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with work, school, or personal matters, this is a polite way to express it. It lets the other person know that you’re under some pressure, but without making the conversation too heavy. If you want to sound a little more positive, you can add “pero todo bien” (but everything’s okay) at the end.

4. Cansado/a, pero bien. (Tired, but good.)

A common response when you’ve had a long day but don’t want to sound too negative. It acknowledges your fatigue while still maintaining a polite and positive tone. This is especially useful in professional settings where you want to express how you feel without sounding unmotivated.

5. No tan bien hoy. (Not so good today.)

This response is slightly more specific than “No muy bien”, as it suggests that today, in particular, hasn’t been great. The word “hoy” (today) makes it clear that your feelings might be temporary, which can make the response sound a little less heavy.

6. Un poco enfermo/a. (A little sick.)

If you’re feeling under the weather but don’t want to make a big deal out of it, this is a polite way to respond. It lets the other person know you’re not at your best while keeping things simple. If you want to be extra polite, you can add “pero espero mejorar pronto” (but I hope to feel better soon).

Funny or Playful Responses (To add some humor)

If you want to keep the conversation lighthearted and entertaining, responding to “¿Cómo estás?” with a humorous answer can be a great way to make someone smile. These responses add personality, wit, and a bit of fun to everyday conversations. Here are six playful ways to reply:

1. Más feliz que un niño con dulces. (Happier than a kid with candy.)

This is a fun and exaggerated way to say you’re in a great mood. It paints a cheerful picture and makes the conversation more engaging. You can also modify it with different comparisons, like “Más feliz que un perro con un hueso” (Happier than a dog with a bone.)

2. Viviendo la vida loca. (Living the crazy life.)

Inspired by the famous Ricky Martin song, this phrase is often used jokingly to say life is a bit chaotic but in an entertaining way. It’s perfect when you want to sound fun and energetic, even if your day has been busy or unpredictable.

3. Como una cabra en el monte. (Like a goat in the mountains.)

A Spanish expression meaning you’re feeling wild, free, or just a little crazy. It’s a playful way to say you’re in good spirits and ready for some fun. This one works especially well in casual conversations with friends.

4. Si estuviera mejor, sería ilegal. (If I were any better, it’d be illegal.)

This over-the-top response is a fun way to exaggerate how great you’re feeling. It adds humor by implying that your happiness is almost too much to handle. It’s a great response if you want to sound upbeat and confident.

5. En modo supervivencia. (In survival mode.)

This phrase is perfect for when you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed but want to make light of the situation. Whether it’s due to work, school, or just life in general, this response turns exhaustion into humor. If you want to add more drama, you can say “Sobreviviendo por milagro” (Surviving by a miracle.)

6. De fiesta en mi mente. (Partying in my mind.)

A fun way to say you’re feeling good but maybe stuck in a less exciting situation. It suggests that, mentally, you’re celebrating—even if, in reality, you’re just sitting in a meeting or doing something boring. It’s a lighthearted response that often gets a laugh.