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How to Say ‘How are you?’ in Portuguese

Como está?

KOH-moo shtah

[KOH-moo shtah]

💬 Usage Tip: está is the polite 'you' form, the same as 'he/she is'. With a friend you'd say estás.

🇵🇹 In Portugal: Use Como está? with in-laws unless they've clearly switched to tu with you. Keeping it polite is the safe default with an older generation.

Phrase Breakdown

Como

[KOH-moo]

How

Asking in what way or manner.

Example

Como posso ajudar?

How can I help?

está

[shtah]

are (you, formal) / is

Form of 'estar' (to be, for states) used with 'você' or formal address, or for he/she/it.

Example

O senhor está cansado?

Are you tired, sir?

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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