Can you say como tu ta instead of como estas usted

Question

I heard about each latino country having their own slang for Spanish, like Spain says chao but most say adios. So instead can you say como tu ta instead of como estas usted?

Hi. This is a language learning site. As such, it is mandatory that all posts be written with proper grammar and spelling, including capitalization and punctuation. Please observe our forum rules in this regard. - Goyo, Dec 28, 2009

Answer 1

Hi R412039,

The correct formation of those sentences is:

¿Cómo estás tú? or ¿Cómo estás?

¿Cómo está usted? or Cómo está?

Often you will hear speakers drop the beginning syllable of está and estás, so it comes out "ta" or "tas", respectively. That's not exactly slang, that's just a pronunciation thing.

I think you would be wise to try to stick with good grammar while you are learning Spanish.

Answer 2

Goyo is right. That way, what you'll hear will be: "¿Cómo'stá?" or "¿Cómo'stás?"