A friendly question opens a conversation. Learn one question and three answers. That is enough for today.
Ask
How are you?
Or in the morning:
How are you today?
Answer
I am fine, thank you.
I am good.
I am tired.
All three are okay.
Ask back
And you?
Or:
How about you?
A short conversation
Hello, Anna. How are you? I am fine, thank you. And you? I am good. Thank you.
Words to remember
- fine — okay, good
- tired — needing rest
- today — this day
- about — used in "how about you?"
Questions & answers
Q: Is "I am fine" real?
Yes. It is a normal, short answer. You do not need to tell your life story.
Q: What if I am not fine?
You can say, "Not bad." Or, with a friend, "A little tired."
Q: Do I need to ask back?
Yes. "And you?" makes the conversation friendly.
Q: Can I say this to a shop worker?
Yes, but keep it short. They are working.