Como vão as coisas?
حرفيًا: How go the things?
Use this phrase to show genuine interest in someone's life during casual or professional check-ins.
في 15 ثانية
- A friendly way to ask 'How are things?' in Portuguese.
- Used for friends, colleagues, and acquaintances to start conversations.
- Invites a more detailed response than a simple 'Hello'.
- Perfect for mid-level formality and casual catch-ups.
المعنى
This is a friendly, open-ended way to ask someone how their life is going lately. It is the Portuguese equivalent of saying 'How are things?' or 'How is everything going?'
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Meeting a friend for coffee
Oi, Pedro! Quanto tempo! Como vão as coisas?
Hi, Pedro! It's been a while! How are things?
Starting a weekly meeting
Bom dia a todos. Antes de começar, como vão as coisas no escritório?
Good morning everyone. Before we start, how are things at the office?
Texting a sibling
E aí, sumido! Como vão as coisas por aí?
Hey, stranger! How are things going over there?
خلفية ثقافية
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, small talk is a mandatory social ritual that establishes trust. This phrase is a staple because it balances curiosity with politeness, reflecting a culture that prioritizes relationships over efficiency. In Brazil specifically, it's often the start of a long, pleasant 'bate-papo' (chat).
The 'Vão' vs 'Vai' Secret
If you are asking about things in general, use 'vão' (plural). If you ask 'Como vai tudo?' (How goes everything?), use 'vai' (singular). Both are equally common!
Don't just say 'Fine'
When someone asks you this, they usually expect a small detail. Instead of just 'Bem', try 'Tudo bem, trabalhando muito!' (All good, working a lot!).
في 15 ثانية
- A friendly way to ask 'How are things?' in Portuguese.
- Used for friends, colleagues, and acquaintances to start conversations.
- Invites a more detailed response than a simple 'Hello'.
- Perfect for mid-level formality and casual catch-ups.
What It Means
Como vão as coisas? is your go-to phrase for checking in on someone. It is broader than a simple 'how are you.' You are asking about their work, family, and general vibe. It implies you actually care about the answer. It is warm, inviting, and very common in Brazil and Portugal.
How To Use It
Use it as a follow-up after the initial greeting. Start with a Oi or Olá. Then drop Como vão as coisas? to open the conversation. You can use it with friends, colleagues, or even the barista you see every day. It sounds natural and shows you have good social flow. Just don't use it with a total stranger on the bus.
When To Use It
Use it when you haven't seen someone in a few days. It works great in the office kitchen while making coffee. It is perfect for the start of a catch-up phone call. Use it when texting a friend to see what's new. It feels proactive and kind. It is the 'soft' way to start a real chat.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in extremely stiff, formal ceremonies. Don't say it to a judge or during a high-stakes legal deposition. Also, avoid it if someone is clearly in a massive hurry. This phrase invites a story, not just a one-word answer. If the building is on fire, just run; don't ask how things are going.
Cultural Background
Lusophone cultures (Portuguese-speaking) value personal connection. We rarely jump straight into business. Asking Como vão as coisas? builds a 'social bridge' before the main topic. It shows you see the person, not just their function. In Brazil, this is often followed by a hug or a pat on the back. It is the glue of social harmony.
Common Variations
Como vão as coisas por aí?(How are things over there?)E as coisas, como vão?(And things, how are they going?)Tudo bem por aí?(Is everything okay over there?)Como anda a vida?(How is life walking/moving along?)
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase sits perfectly in the 'neutral' zone. It is safer than slang but warmer than formal greetings. Use the plural verb `vão` to sound educated.
The 'Vão' vs 'Vai' Secret
If you are asking about things in general, use 'vão' (plural). If you ask 'Como vai tudo?' (How goes everything?), use 'vai' (singular). Both are equally common!
Don't just say 'Fine'
When someone asks you this, they usually expect a small detail. Instead of just 'Bem', try 'Tudo bem, trabalhando muito!' (All good, working a lot!).
Pronunciation Trap
The 'ão' sound in 'vão' is nasal. Imagine you have a cold and try to say 'vow' through your nose. If you say it like 'vow' (rhyming with cow), people will still understand, but it won't sound authentic.
أمثلة
6Oi, Pedro! Quanto tempo! Como vão as coisas?
Hi, Pedro! It's been a while! How are things?
A classic way to restart a friendship after some time apart.
Bom dia a todos. Antes de começar, como vão as coisas no escritório?
Good morning everyone. Before we start, how are things at the office?
Softens the professional atmosphere before getting to work.
E aí, sumido! Como vão as coisas por aí?
Hey, stranger! How are things going over there?
Using 'sumido' (missing person) adds a playful, teasing tone.
Parece que você está ocupada. Como vão as coisas com o projeto?
You look busy. How are things going with the project?
Specific focus on work while remaining empathetic.
Nossa, que bagunça! Como vão as coisas nessa zona?
Wow, what a mess! How are things going in this disaster zone?
Using 'zona' (slang for mess) makes this humorous and biting.
Eu soube do que aconteceu. Como vão as coisas de verdade?
I heard what happened. How are things, for real?
Adding 'de verdade' signals you are ready for a deep conversation.
اختبر نفسك
Complete the greeting to a colleague you haven't seen all week.
Olá, Maria! ___ vão as coisas?
'Como' is the word for 'how', which is essential for this phrase.
Choose the correct plural form of the verb 'ir' (to go) for this phrase.
Como ___ as coisas?
Since 'as coisas' (the things) is plural, the verb 'ir' must be conjugated as 'vão'.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality Scale of 'Como vão as coisas?'
Slang like 'E aí?'
E aí, beleza?
Standard friendly check-in
Como vão as coisas?
Polite professional inquiry
Como vai o senhor?
Where to use 'Como vão as coisas?'
Office Kitchen
Chatting with a coworker
WhatsApp Group
Checking in with family
Dinner Party
Talking to a friend's spouse
The Gym
Greeting your trainer
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةIt is used in both! It is a universal Portuguese expression, though Brazilians might use it slightly more often in casual settings.
Yes, absolutely. It is neutral and polite. It shows you are interested in the professional relationship, e.g., Olá, chefe, como vão as coisas?
The most common answer is Vão bem, e com você? (They are going well, and with you?).
Grammatically, it should be vão because as coisas is plural. However, in very fast, informal speech, some people might slip and say vai, but you should stick to vão.
Tudo bem? is a quick 'Are you okay?'. Como vão as coisas? is more like 'How is your life lately?'. It's a deeper question.
Yes, it is a great opening line for a semi-formal or friendly email. For example: Espero que esteja bem. Como vão as coisas por aí?
Not at all. It is a timeless expression used by people of all ages, from teenagers to grandparents.
You can say Mais ou menos (So-so) or As coisas estão um pouco difíceis (Things are a bit difficult).
It might be a bit too personal for a first-ever greeting. Stick to Muito prazer (Nice to meet you) first. Use this on the second or third meeting.
Yes! You could say E aí, qual é a boa? which is more like 'Hey, what's the good word?' or 'What's up?'.
عبارات ذات صلة
Como vai?
How are you? (Slightly more formal)
Tudo certinho?
Is everything 'little-right'? (Very casual/cute)
Como anda a vida?
How is life going/walking?
Quais são as novidades?
What are the news/what's new?
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