When someone asks you, “Come stai?” (How are you?) In Italian, there are numerous ways to respond depending on the context, your mood, and the relationship with the person asking. In this article, I’ll explore 17 different ways you can respond, provide scenario examples like emails or conversations, and explain each phrase. Let’s dive into it!
Learn how to reply naturally to “Come stai?” in Italian! From casual responses like “Sto bene” (I’m fine) to more expressive options such as “Non c’è male” (Not bad) or “Sto alla grande” (I’m great), discover versatile phrases to enhance your conversational skills in Italian.
List Of Ways to Respond to the Question ‘How Are You?’ in Italian
- Sto bene, grazie! E tu? (I’m well, thank you! And you?)
- Tutto bene! (All good!)
- Non c’è male. (Not bad.)
- Così così. (So-so.)
- Sto benissimo! (I’m great!)
- Sto male. (I’m not feeling well.)
- Mi sento un po’ giù. (I feel a bit down.)
- Non mi posso lamentare. (I can’t complain.)
- Sto stanco/a. (I’m tired.)
- Sto stressato/a. (I’m stressed.)
- Sono felice. (I’m happy.)
- Sto migliorando. (I’m getting better.)
- Mi sento energico/a. (I feel energetic.)
- Sono esausto/a. (I’m exhausted.)
- Non è la mia giornata. (It’s not my day.)
- Sono rilassato/a. (I’m relaxed.)
- Sto alla grande! (I’m doing awesome!)
1. Sto bene, grazie! E tu? (I’m well, thank you! And you?)
This is a classic and polite response that you can use in both formal and informal settings. It shows that you’re doing fine and politely returns the question.
Scenario: Subject: Checking In!
Ciao Mia,
I hope this email finds you well. Just wanted to check in and see how things are going on your end. As for me, sto bene, grazie! E tu? I’ve been busy with work, but everything is manageable. Looking forward to hearing back from you soon.
Un abbraccio,
Hannah
2. Tutto bene! (All good!)
A simple and casual way to respond, often used when you’re in a hurry or when everything is going smoothly.
Scenario: In a text message:
Hey Mia, come stai?
Risposta:
Tutto bene! Just wrapping up some errands. What about you? Let’s catch up soon!
3. Non c’è male. (Not bad.)
If you’re feeling okay but not great, this phrase fits perfectly. It conveys that things aren’t terrible, but they’re not excellent either.
Scenario: In a friendly email:
Ciao Mia,
How’s everything going on your side? I’ve been meaning to ask you about the upcoming project. As for me, non c’è male, just trying to balance a few things. Let me know if you’re available to chat next week.
Con affetto,
Hannah
4. Così così. (So-so.)
This response is used when you’re feeling neutral, not particularly good or bad.
Scenario: At a café:
Mia: Come stai?
Hannah: Così così. I’ve had a long week, and I’m just trying to take it easy today.
5. Sto benissimo! (I’m great!)
When you’re feeling fantastic and want to express your excitement, this phrase is a good fit.
Scenario: In a voicemail:
Hey Mia, just wanted to check in. Sto benissimo! I finally finished that big project and feel like I’m on top of the world! Can’t wait to share all the details when we meet up!
6. Sto male. (I’m not feeling well.)
This response is used when you’re under the weather or feeling down.
Scenario: Text message to a close friend:
Hey Mia, I’m sorry I won’t be able to make it to dinner tonight. Sto male and just need some rest. Let’s reschedule for another time, okay?
7. Mi sento un po’ giù. (I feel a bit down.)
This phrase is more emotional and can be used when you’re not physically ill but emotionally drained.
Scenario: Email to a colleague:
Hi Mia,
Thanks for checking in. To be honest, mi sento un po’ giù. It’s been a tough few days, but I’m working through it. I’ll try to bounce back by the end of the week. Let’s catch up soon.
Best,
Hannah
8. Non mi posso lamentare. (I can’t complain.)
When things are going well enough and you don’t have any major issues, this phrase works.
Scenario: In a casual conversation:
Mia: Come stai?
Hannah: Non mi posso lamentare! Life’s been treating me well lately, can’t complain.
9. Sto stanco/a. (I’m tired.)
This is a simple response to indicate that you’re feeling physically or mentally exhausted.
Scenario: At the end of a long day:
Mia: Come stai?
Hannah: Sto stanca. It’s been a long day, but I’m hanging in there.
10. Sto stressato/a. (I’m stressed.)
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with work or personal matters, this phrase conveys that emotion.
Scenario: Voice note to a friend:
Hey Mia, I just wanted to vent a little. Sto stressata with all the deadlines at work. I’ll call you when things calm down.
11. Sono felice. (I’m happy.)
When you’re in a good mood and want to share your happiness, this is a great response.
Scenario: In a celebratory email:
Ciao Mia,
I just wanted to share some good news with you. Sono felice because I got the promotion we talked about! Let’s celebrate soon!
Con affetto,
Hannah
12. Sto migliorando. (I’m getting better.)
If you were recently unwell or feeling down, this phrase expresses improvement.
Scenario: Replying to a well-wisher:
Ciao Mia,
Thanks so much for checking in. Sto migliorando a little each day. I should be back to my usual self soon!
13. Mi sento energico/a. (I feel energetic.)
When you’re full of energy and ready to tackle the day, this phrase is fitting.
Scenario: Starting the day:
Mia: Come stai?
Hannah: Mi sento energica today! I’m ready to make the most of it. How about you?
14. Sono esausto/a. (I’m exhausted.)
For those days when you’re completely drained, use this expression.
Scenario: Late-night message:
Hey Mia, just got home and sono esausta after back-to-back meetings. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow once I’ve had some rest.
15. Non è la mia giornata. (It’s not my day.)
On those particularly bad days, this response is perfect.
Scenario: Text message to a friend:
Mia: Come va?
Hannah: Non è la mia giornata. Everything seems to be going wrong, but I’m hoping tomorrow will be better.
16. Sono rilassato/a. (I’m relaxed.)
If you’re feeling calm and at peace, this response works well.
Scenario: Post-vacation conversation:
Mia: Come stai?
Hannah: Sono rilassata. Just got back from the beach, and I feel completely recharged.
17. Sto alla grande! (I’m doing awesome!)
This is an enthusiastic response for when everything is going wonderfully.
Scenario: Excited phone call:
Mia: Hey Hannah, how’s it going?
Hannah: Sto alla grande! I’ve been so productive and everything’s falling into place. Can’t wait to tell you all about it!
