vs 

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"Hello, my friend" is an interjection which is often translated as "hola, amigo", and "How are you?" is a phrase which is often translated as "¿Cómo estás?". Learn more about the difference between "hello, my friend" and "How are you?" below.
hello, my friend(
heh
-
lo
 
may
 
frehnd
)
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
interjection
a. hola, amigo
Hello, my friend. It's good to see you!Hola, amigo. ¡Me alegro de verte!
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How are you?(
hau
 
ar
 
yu
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. ¿Cómo estás?
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
(informal)
(singular)
Hi, Sarah! How are you?¡Hola, Sarah! ¿Cómo estás?
b. ¿Cómo está?
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
(formal)
(singular)
It's so nice to see you, Mr. Smith. How are you?¡Qué gusto verlo, Sr. Smith! ¿Cómo está?
a. ¿Cómo están? (plural)
Hey, guys! How are you?¡Hola, muchachos! ¿Cómo están?
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