You already know that a greeting in Spanish often expects a short reply plus a return question, but in a live conversation your mind may freeze after the first word. This workshop gives you three spoken role-plays, from a friendly neighbor to a formal office visitor, so you can practise choosing between informal and formal replies, adding a brief reason when you are not at your best, and keeping the exchange going with a natural follow-up question. You will speak aloud, not just read, and each round adds one realistic complication.
Preparation before you speak
Decide in advance which register you need: informal with friends, classmates, or people your age, and formal with strangers, older people, or professional contacts. Prepare one short reply for each register and one return question for each. For informal situations, rehearse the source phrase meaning good, thanks, and you, and also the casual all-good version. For formal situations, rehearse the source phrase meaning very well, and you, using the formal you. If you are not feeling great, prepare the source so-so phrase and, if you want a reason, add the source phrase meaning a little tired. Keep each reply under six words so it stays easy to say under pressure. Before each role-play, say your chosen reply out loud twice, then say the return question twice, so the rhythm is already in your mouth.
Handling the harder turn
The hard part is not the first reply; it is the follow-up question that comes back at you. A greeting partner may ask how your day is going, and you need to answer briefly and then return the conversation again. When that happens, do not try to build a long sentence. Use a short state, add one concrete detail if you have one, and finish with a return question. For example, if you are tired, say the source so-so phrase and add the source phrase meaning a little tired, then ask how the other person is. If you are fine, say the source all-good phrase and ask about their day. If you lose the thread, repeat the last short reply you used and add the return question; that keeps the exchange alive without forcing new vocabulary. Practise this recovery move until it feels automatic.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
Bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?
Good, thanks. And you?
BYEN GRAH-syahs ee TOO
Muy bien, ¿y usted?
Very well, and you?
mwee BYEN ee oos-TED
Más o menos.
So-so.
MAHS oh MAY-nohs
Todo bien, ¿y tú?
All good, and you?
TOH-doh BYEN ee TOO
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?
Hi! How are you?Bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?
Good, thanks. And you?Todo bien. ¿Qué tal tu día?
All good. How's your day?Más o menos, un poco cansado.
So-so, a little tired.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Neighbor at the mailbox
It is Saturday morning outside your apartment building. A neighbor named Marta, about your age, sees you checking your mailbox and says a friendly informal greeting asking how you are. You are actually a little tired because you slept badly, but you do not want to complain.
Your task: Say aloud an informal reply that starts with the source so-so phrase, add the source phrase meaning a little tired, and then ask Marta how she is. Keep your whole turn under eight words. Do not use the formal you with Marta.
Visitor at the office reception
You are at work on a Tuesday afternoon. A visitor named Mr. Herrera, an older man you have not met, arrives for a meeting and greets you formally, asking how you are. Your manager is nearby and you want to sound professional and calm.
Your task: Say aloud the source formal reply meaning very well, and you, using the formal you. Then add one short sentence telling Mr. Herrera that your manager will come in a moment. Speak clearly and slowly, and keep your reply polite but brief.
Classmate after a long week
It is Friday evening at a language school social event. A classmate named Diego, whom you know well, greets you casually and asks how you are. You are genuinely fine and relaxed, and you want to keep the conversation going because you have not seen him all week.
Your task: Say aloud the source casual all-good reply and return the question. Then add one short sentence about your week, such as having finished a project, and ask Diego what he has been doing. Use informal address throughout.
Common questions
How do I know whether to use the informal or formal reply with someone new?
Listen to how they greet you first. If they use the informal question form, reply informally. If they use the formal form or address you as usted, match that with a formal reply and the formal return question.
What if I am not feeling well but do not want to explain why?
Use the source so-so phrase on its own, then immediately return the question. You can add the source phrase meaning a little tired, or leave it out entirely; a brief reply is normal and polite.
Sources and further reading
- spanish: responding to greetingsChecked September 2026
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