すぐに使える英語 - 英語表現 · 2025/11/10

“How are you?”の代わりに使える自然な挨拶5選 - ネイティブが実際に使う表現集（英語編）

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Why “How are you?” sounds a bit textbook

When learning English, most people first memorize:
“How are you?” → “I’m fine, thank you. And you?”

Of course, that’s grammatically correct - but in real English conversation,
native English speakers rarely say this.

Why?
Because “I’m fine” sounds a little stiff and formal, almost robotic.

Native speakers prefer more natural, friendly greetings that fit the situation.
Here are 5 expressions you can start using today to sound more like a native speaker. (Tomorrow, other 5 expressions will be introduced in this blog.)

1. What’s up?

Meaning: “How’s it going?” / “What’s going on?”
Used between friends or people you know well.

💡Example:
A: Hey, what’s up?
B: Not much. Just relaxing.

2. How’s it going?

Meaning: “How are you doing?” / “How’s life?”
Friendly and very common — works at work, school, or casual chats.

💡Example:
A: How’s it going?
B: Pretty good. You?

3. How have you been?

Meaning: “How have you been doing lately?”
Perfect when you haven’t seen someone for a while.

💡Example:
Hey, long time no see! How have you been?

4. What’s new?

Meaning: “What’s new with you?” / “What’s been happening?”
A great follow-up when catching up with friends.

💡Example:
Hi! What’s new with you?

5. How’s everything?

Meaning: “How are things in general?”
Polite and easy to use in almost any situation.

💡Example:
Hi, how’s everything?
→ Pretty good, thanks.

Summary: Broaden your greeting range to sound more natural

“How are you?” is fine, but if you always say it, your English can sound too formal or textbook-like.

By using a variety of greetings like “How’s it going?”, “What’s up?”, or “Good to see you!”, you’ll sound friendlier, more confident, and more natural in conversations.

Try using one of these phrases in your next English chat - you’ll be surprised how smoothly the conversation flows!