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How to say How are you? in different countries (languages)

It seems like a simple inquiry, but "How are you?" functions totally differently depending on where you land. In American or British English, it is often just a casual substitute for "hello." But ask a native German or Scandinavian how they are doing, and they might give you an honest, detailed update on their week!

Whether you need a polite greeting for a shopkeeper or trendy street slang for people your own age, check out our international list below to learn casual ways to ask "How are you doing?" across world languages.

How are you? worldwide

Click on the link below the country to view more details

Australia
How are you?
Austria
Wie geht's?
Wie geht's ihnen?
Belarus
Как дела? [Kak dela?]
Brazil
Como você vai?
Canada
How are you?
Czech Republic
Jak se máš?
Egypt
ازيك عامل ابه؟ [aessayak ameil iyh?]
كيف حالك؟ [kayfa halok?]
England
How are you?
Germany
Wie geht's?
Wie geht's ihnen?
Guyana
How are you?
Ireland
How are you?
Jamaica
How are you?
Japan
お元気ですか? [genki-desuka?]
Kazakhstan
Как дела? [Kak dela?]
Kyrgyzstan
Как дела? [Kak dela?]
New Zealand
How are you?
Northern Ireland
How are you?
Poland
Jak się masz?
Portugal
Como você está?
Russia
Как дела? [Kak dela?]
Scotland
How are you?
Slovakia
Ako sa máš?
South Africa
How are you?
South Korea
잘 지내? [Jal Ji nae?]
Spain
¿cómo estás?
Switzerland
Wie geht's?
Wie geht's ihnen?
Trinidad and Tobago
How are you?