EverydayAdvanced
Answering "How are you?" in English (advanced)
Advanced English for answering "How are you?". Key line: “Honestly, I'm *doing* pretty *well*—just *running* on coffee today.”
Full script
Lin
Hey, ask me how I'm doing—I'll try a real answer.
Them
Okay—how are you doing? You look suspiciously awake.
Lin
Honestly, I'm doing pretty well—just running on coffee today.
Them
That's solid. 'Can't complain' would also sound natural there.
Lin
Yeah, or 'hanging in there' if I'm a little tired.
Them
Exactly—short, friendly, and not your full life story in one breath.
Lin
Got it: 'Pretty good, just running on coffee'—light, honest, and human.
Them
Nailed it. If coffee ever stops working, then you can panic.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Updates
✓ How are you doing?Ask how they are
More natural
Good
✓ I'm doing pretty well.doing well
Natural, modest
Okay
✓ Can't complain.things are okay
Not literal here
Coping
✓ I'm hanging in there.managing somehow
So-so, still okay
Quick answers
Updates: what to say in English
Say “How are you doing?” — ask how they are. More natural.
Good: what to say in English
Say “I'm doing pretty well.” — doing well. Natural, modest.
Okay: what to say in English
Say “Can't complain.” — things are okay. Not literal here.
Coping: what to say in English
Say “I'm hanging in there.” — managing somehow. So-so, still okay.