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Portuguese Phrase

Estou bem, e você?

/esˈtoʊ bẽj̃ i voˈse/
Meaning"I am well, and you?"
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Meaning

This phrase is a very common and polite way to respond to a greeting asking how you are. 'Estou bem' means 'I am well' or 'I am good', indicating a temporary state of being. 'E você?' directly translates to 'And you?', returning the question to the other person.

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When to use

You use this phrase as a standard, polite response after someone asks 'Como você está?' (How are you?). It's suitable for most social situations, from casual encounters with friends to more formal interactions, as it's a universally understood and accepted reply.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Estoubem,evocê?

1

Estar (Estou)

'Estou' is the first-person singular conjugation of the verb 'estar' (to be). 'Estar' is used for temporary states, conditions, and locations, unlike 'ser' which is for permanent characteristics.

2

Bem

'Bem' is an adverb meaning 'well' or 'good'. It modifies the verb 'estar' to describe the state of being. It's important not to confuse it with the adjective 'bom' (good).

3

E você?

'E você?' literally means 'And you?'. It's a crucial part of polite conversation, used to reciprocate the inquiry about well-being. It shows interest in the other person.

🗨In Conversation

A

Olá! Como você está?

Hello! How are you?

Estou bem, e você?

I am well, and you?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Eu sou bem.

    Using 'ser' (sou) instead of 'estar' (estou) for temporary states. 'Ser' is for permanent characteristics, while 'estar' is for temporary conditions like health or location.

  • Estou bom.

    'Bom' is an adjective meaning 'good', but 'bem' is an adverb meaning 'well'. When describing how you are, you use the adverb 'bem'.

↔Alternatives

  • Tudo bem, e você?

    All good, and you?

  • Estou ótimo(a), obrigado(a)! E você?

    I'm great, thank you! And you?

  • Vou bem, obrigado(a).

    I'm doing well, thank you.

pt

Cultural Tip

In Portuguese-speaking cultures, it's very common and expected to return the question 'E você?' or 'E o senhor/a senhora?' (And you, sir/madam?) after someone asks how you are. Failing to do so might be perceived as slightly impolite or abrupt. Politeness and reciprocal inquiry are highly valued in conversations.