vs 

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"Good afternoon" is a form of "good afternoon", a phrase which is often translated as "buenas tardes". "How are you?" is a phrase which is often translated as "¿Cómo estás?". Learn more about the difference between "How are you?" and "good afternoon" below.
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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good afternoon(
good
 
ahf
-
duhr
-
nun
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. buenas tardes
Good afternoon, is Mr. Garcia in?Buenas tardes, ¿se encuentra el Sr. García?
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