1. Familiar and Formal Greetings
Mr. Estrada greets Alma by saying:
If Alma had spoken first, she might have said:
--¡Alma!
--¡Señor Estrada!
¿Cómo estas hoy?
¿Como está usted?
Alma! How are you today?
Mr. Estrada! How are you?
Como está usted? is a formal greeting.
¿Cómo estas? Is a familiar greeting.
Use with
A person you don´t know
A friend
Someone older
A family member
Someone for whom you want to show respect.
Someone younger
Another familiar greeting: ¿Qué tal?
Tù is a familiar way to say you.
Usted is a formal way to say you.