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"What" is a form of "what", a pronoun which is often translated as "qué". "How are you?" is a phrase which is often translated as "¿Cómo estás?". Learn more about the difference between "How are you?" and "what" below.
How are you?()
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. ¿Cómo estás? (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
Hi, Sarah! How are you?¡Hola, Sarah! ¿Cómo estás?
b. ¿Cómo está? (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
It's so nice to see you, Mr. Smith. How are you?¡Qué gusto verlo, Sr. Smith! ¿Cómo está?
what()
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
