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“How are you doing?” is a common question in English, but what is the appropriate response? You have several options.
The appropriate answer to “How are you doing?” depends on
In English-speaking countries, people often ask “How are you?” or “How are you doing?” or even “How are you going?” Even though the translation means “How are you?”, the answer to this question isn’t that simple.
- Unlike in German, you have to distinguish whether it’s just a greeting or if the person asking really wants to know how you’re doing.
- “How are you doing?” is a stock phrase often used as a greeting, for example at the supermarket, among neighbors, or in a restaurant. An honest answer is usually not expected.
- So how you respond to “How are you?” depends on who is asking you and in what situation. If it’s someone you don’t know who just wants to say hello, reply: “I’m fine, thank you!” or “Very well, thanks”. It’s polite to ask a question in return: “How about you?” or “And how are you?”.
- With people close to you, feel free to respond a bit more elaborately to “How are you doing?”, since they’re genuinely interested in how you’re doing. Most people, however, respond with positive reserve and wait for follow-up questions.
Appropriate responses to “How are you doing?”
- “Could be better! How about you?” – “It could be better! How are you?”
- “I’m OK, very busy at the moment!” – “I’m fine, I’m very busy right now.”
- “I’m fine, I’ve had a great day so far!” – “I’m fine, I’ve had a great day so far!”
- “Not too bad!” – “Not too bad!”
- “Amazing!” – “I’m doing great!”
- “I’m alright.” – “I’m alright.”
- “Not the best.” – “It could be better.”
- “Never better.” – “I’ve never felt better.”
- “I can’t complain!” – “I can’t complain!”
- “Not bad at all, thanks.” – “Not bad at all, thanks.”
- “I’m doing great, thanks for asking”. – “I’m doing great, thanks for asking.”
- “I’m very well, thank you. And how are you?” – “I’m very well, thank you. And how are you?”
Difference between “How are you?” and “How are you doing?”
Translated, both “How are you?” and “How are you doing?” mean the same thing. Both questions are used to inquire about the other person’s well-being. And yet, there is a subtle difference.
- “How are you doing?” is generally used in a more informal context and is often used among family or friends. Here, it’s perfectly fine to answer honestly and in a bit more detail.
- “How are you?”, on the other hand, is what you ask someone you’re meeting for the first time or when you want to make small talk using a stock phrase. An answer isn’t really expected, or you can simply reply “Alright,” even if you’re having a bad day.
Greeting Phrases in English: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Many non-native speakers fall into common traps when they hear “How are you?” or “How are you doing?”
- Taking it too literally: If you spend minutes explaining how you’re feeling, it can quickly seem odd to the person you’re talking to. So keep your answer brief.
- Silence: A simple nod isn’t enough—a brief verbal response is part of the exchange.
- Inappropriate honesty: Phrases like “I feel terrible, I didn’t sleep at all” are out of place in professional or casual greeting situations in response to the question “How are you?”
- Answering without asking a follow-up question: It’s polite to ask a follow-up question after giving your own answer (“And you?” or “How about yourself?”).
