Answering "How are you?" in English
What to say to "How are you?" besides "I'm fine, thank you."
Full script
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Ask how someone's doing
More casual than How are you; common with people you know
Friendly reply + ask back
More natural than I'm fine, thank you, and you?
Short, neutral reply
Want to add more? Say: A little sleepy, though.
Encouraging support
Good when a friend is tired, stressed, or super busy
Quick answers
Greeting: what to say in English
Say “How's it going?” — ask how someone's doing. More casual than How are you; common with people you know.
Save this: what to say in English
Say “Pretty good, thanks! How about you?” — friendly reply + ask back. More natural than I'm fine, thank you, and you?
Keep it short: what to say in English
Say “Not bad.” — short, neutral reply. Want to add more? Say: A little sleepy, though.
Comfort someone: what to say in English
Say “Hang in there!” — encouraging support. Good when a friend is tired, stressed, or super busy.