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Italian Phrase

Come stai oggi?

/ˈkome ˈstai ˈɔdʒi/
Meaning"How are you today?"
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Meaning

Literally, “How are you today?” It asks about a person’s current well‑being or mood on the day of speaking. The phrase is friendly and informal, suitable for people you know well.

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When to use

Use it in casual conversations with friends, family, classmates, or colleagues you address with the informal ‘tu’. It’s not appropriate in formal settings or when speaking to strangers you would address with ‘Lei’. Adding ‘oggi’ emphasizes that you’re interested in how they feel right now, not in general.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Comestaioggi?

1

Come (How)

An interrogative adverb meaning 'how', placed at the beginning of a question.

2

stai (you are/you feel)

Second‑person singular present of the verb 'stare', used for temporary states or conditions.

3

oggi (today)

An adverb of time meaning 'today', often added to specify the day.

4

Question mark

In written Italian, a question mark is placed only at the end of the sentence (no opening inverted question mark).

🗨In Conversation

A

Come stai oggi?

How are you today?

Bene, grazie! Un po’ stanco, ma tutto ok. E tu?

Fine, thanks! A little tired, but all good. And you?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Come sei oggi?

    ‘Essere’ (sei) describes permanent traits, not temporary feelings; use ‘stai’ for ‘how are you feeling today’.

  • Come stai oggi

    In written Italian a question mark is required at the end of a question.

  • Come sta oggi?

    ‘Sta’ is the formal ‘Lei’ form; use it only with strangers or in professional contexts.

↔Alternatives

  • Come va oggi?

    How’s it going today?

  • Come ti senti oggi?

    How do you feel today?

  • Come sta oggi?

    How are you (formal) today?

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Cultural Tip

Italians often ask about well‑being as a polite ice‑breaker, even if they don’t expect a detailed answer. In the north you’ll hear a quick “Come va?” while in the south people may add a warm “Tutto bene?” after the question. Remember to match the verb form to the level of formality: ‘stai’ for ‘tu’, ‘sta’ for ‘Lei’. Also, it’s common to follow the question with a brief comment about your own state, which keeps the conversation balanced.