William James Adams Jr. (born March 15, 1975), known professionally as will… Read Full Bio ↴William James Adams Jr. (born March 15, 1975), known professionally as will.i.am, is an American hip-hop and pop musician and founding member of the Black Eyed Peas. Adams is of Jamaican descent and has rapped since his teenage years. Along with co-writing many of the Peas' hit songs, he's also had a solo career featuring multiple top 20 hit singles as well as collaborations with various artists such as Mick Jagger and Britney Spears among many others.

When William was sixteen years old, he started rapping in late 1991 under the name "Will-1X" after being discovered by Compton rapper and former N.W.A. leader Eazy-E and signed a deal to Eazy's Ruthless Records. will.i.am's first rap song was "Merry Muthafuckin' Xmas" from Eazy-E's 1992 EP 5150: Home 4 tha Sick. Shortly after Eazy-E's death in 1995, Will left Ruthless to start a group that would later be called the Black Eyed Peas with fellow rappers Taboo and apl.de.ap.

After the addition of singer-songwriter Fergie, the group shot into mainstream pop consciousness with a set of hit singles in the mid-00s, popularity that continues to this day. The Black Eyed Peas' producer is Sergio Mendes, an internationally successful Brazilian musician and jazz aficionado. In September 2007, will.i.am took a major step into a solo career identity by joining with his record label, Universal Music Group (UMG), on a pilot scheme to reward certain file-sharing with cash incentives, including will.i.am tracks from his then upcoming release Songs About Girls.

In total, he has released four solo albums: Lost Change (2001), Must B 21 (2003), Songs About Girls (2007), and #willpower (2013). Although often facing mixed critical reviews, he's experienced significant commercial success, including a set of popular singles. His solo performances, featuring collaborations with a wide group of artists including Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Phife Dawg, Snoop Dogg, and Nicole Scherzinger, are perhaps best summed up in the international top 20 mega-hit "Scream & Shout".

Will.i.am was also recently cast as John Wraith in the film X-Men Origins: Wolverine, a prequel to the X-Men movie series. And if one enjoyed Madagascar 2's chunky hippo, Moto Moto, then one should know that the deep voice belonged will.i.am., who came in after he was ''pimped'' out to the directors by his friend and sometimes collaborator Justin Timberlake.

Before joining the Black Eyed Peas, Will.i.am attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles. In 2001, he began designing his own signature clothing line, i.am, which made its official debut in 2005 at the Magic apparel trade show in Las Vegas. In 2007, Will.i.am teamed up with Blue Holdings to design a premium denim collection, i.am Antik, that had its debut on the Project Show in Las Vegas. He has also designed clothing for the Black Eyed Peas.

In January 2008, will.i.am helped write a song, "Yes We Can", in support of the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign of Barack Obama, which in turn became a music video directed by Jesse Dylan. The lyrics of the song are composed almost entirely of excerpts from Obama's speech on January 8, 2008, following the New Hampshire presidential primary election. The video features appearances from numerous celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, Tatyana Ali, John Legend, Herbie Hancock, Kate Walsh, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Adam Rodriguez, Kelly Hu, Hill Harper, Amber Valletta, Eric Balfour, Aisha Tyler, Nicole Scherzinger, Nick Cannon, Bryan Greenberg, Common and first appeared on the website for Dipdive, and within a week of its appearance racked up three million views, and over four million views on Youtube.

On February 29, 2008, a second video titled "We Are The Ones" was released on Dipdive and YouTube. It included cameo appearances from Jessica Alba, Ryan Phillippe, Kerry Washington, John Leguizamo, Regina King, Tyrese Gibson, Eric Mabius, Tichina Arnold, Adrienne Palicki, comedian George Lopez, and singers Macy Gray, Zoe Kravitz and Black Eyed Peas’ Taboo. The video features everyone chanting "O-BA-MA" as a portrayal as their hopes and wishes for Obama and his presidential campaign.

In 2013, will.i.am released his album "#thatpower".

Thank You Very Much
Will.I.Am Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

信じていただき
応援していただき
パソコンに入れていただき
歌詞を書いていただき

For believing in me
For rooting for me
For installing me on your PC

For writing lyrics

チケット購入していただき
耐えていただき
コンサートにお越しいただき
歌詞を書いていただき

For buying tickets
For bearing with me
For coming out to the concert
For writing lyrics

ありがとうございました！
ありがとうございました！
どうも
味方も、家族も
共に行きましょう！
ありがとうございました！
ありがとうございました！
どうも
舞台も、競技も
共に行きましょう！

Thank you very much
Thank you very much
Thanks
Even friends, even family
We move altogether now!
Thank you very much
Thank you very much
Thanks
Even the stage, even the game
We move altogether now!

頑張って、頑張って
こえていく
頑張って、頑張って
やり直すよ

Give it your all, give it your all
We go beyond
Give it your all, give it your all
We start over

度々
町を一周する
土曜日
つかれた

Again and again
We go around town
Saturday
I'm tired

信じていただき
おもいえがいていただき
多くの衣装をえがいていただき
歌詞を書いていただき

For believing in me
For imagining
For designing so many costumes
For writing lyrics

チケット購入していただき
耐えていただき
コンサートにお越しいただき
歌詞を書いていただき

For buying tickets
For bearing with me
For coming out to the concert
For writing lyrics

ありがとうございました！
ありがとうございました！
どうも
味方も、家族も
共に行きましょう！
ありがとうございました！
ありがとうございました！
どうも
舞台も、競技も
共に行きましょう！

Thank you very much
Thank you very much
Thanks
Even friends, even family
We move altogether now!
Thank you very much
Thank you very much
Thanks
Even the stage, even the game
We move altogether now!

頑張って、頑張って
こえていく
頑張って、頑張って
やり直すよ
頑張って、頑張って
いく、もう一度
頑張って、頑張って
やり直すよ

Give it your all, give it your all
We go beyond
Give it your all, give it your all
We start over
Give it your all, give it your all
We go, one more time

Give it your all, give it your all
We start over

Overall Meaning

The song "Thank You Very Much" by will.i.am, expresses the artist's gratitude towards his fans for their unwavering support. The lyrics convey that the artist wouldn't be where he is without his fans, and he acknowledges that he has been able to achieve his success thanks to their support. The first verse speaks about the various ways in which the fans have supported him, including believing in him, rooting for him, and buying tickets to his concerts. He also acknowledges the efforts they have put in, such as writing lyrics and installing his music on their PCs.

The second verse follows a similar pattern, expressing gratitude towards the fans for bearing with him, imagining and designing costumes for him, and coming to his concerts. The chorus "Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thanks. Even friends, even family. We move altogether now!" emphasizes the importance of unity and togetherness in achieving success. The final verse speaks of the need to keep trying and never give up, even if you get tired after repeated attempts. It urges listeners to give it their all and start again, with the hope of achieving their dreams. In essence, the song is a heartfelt tribute to will.i.am's fans and a message of encouragement to those trying to pursue their goals.

Line by Line Meaning

For believing in me
信じていただき

For rooting for me
応援していただき

For installing me on your PC
パソコンに入れていただき

For writing lyrics
歌詞を書いていただき

For buying tickets
チケット購入していただき

For bearing with me
耐えていただき

For coming out to the concert
コンサートにお越しいただき

Thanks
ありがとうございました！

Even friends, even family
味方も、家族も

We move altogether now!
共に行きましょう！

Even the stage, even the game
舞台も、競技も

Give it your all, give it your all
頑張って、頑張って

We go beyond
こえていく

We start over
やり直すよ

Again and again
度々

We go around town
町を一周する

Saturday
土曜日

For imagining
おもいえがいていただき

For designing so many costumes
多くの衣装をえがいていただき

Give it your all, give it your all
頑張って、頑張って

We go, one more time
いく、もう一度

Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Wyntie Joonho Ahn

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Doctor KJ

1y↑1

I’m fine thanks is perfectly normal. Nothing wrong with it.

I have a tendency to answer How are you? question like this:
If I’m good: Better then yesterday, worse than tomorrow!
If not good: Worse than yesterday, better than tomorrow!

Also as a grammar expert you should know that you can’t give us 10 alternatives but rather 10 options. Alternative is coming from latin alterus which means “the second of the two”. That’s why we have alternative current that switches between plus and minus alternatively 50 or 60 times per second.

So in your next video please give us just ONE alternative to something or give us more OPTIONS and we will be FINE, thank you….🙂

All comments from YouTube:

turmeric curcu

42w↑9

I am not native. But after traveling quite frequently in last 15 years, I have found that "I'm fine thank you" is good, polite, and easily accepted with least misunderstanding.

Khanh Ho

2y↑259

"I'm fine, thank you" is totally okay. Nobody will think it's weird or boring. I say this as a professor of English Lit in the USA.

barkley611

2y↑5

I say this every time I’m in a restaurant and a Waiter asks “is everything is alright, can I get you any refills or more bread?”
I reply “We’re fine, thank you.”
Anyone that’s alone replies “I’m fine, thank you.”
This should be your English lesson. Teaching them how to express between the singular and the plural.

You saying “I’m an English teacher” and trying to tell us that a phrase I hear said on the daily basis by hundreds of people, and have for 30 years - should be stopped because they taught you something in academia that’s better?

Just no. Wrong.

Claire

2y↑2

@barkley611 You either misread the comment or you're replying to the wrong person, lol

Peter C.

1y↑1

With all due respects, being a scholar in English literature does not necessarily make one an expert on common expressions as used by the average person in the street.

Alex

43w

UnitedStatesians say “I’m good”

Horatiu Graur

41w

I also say I’m fine, thanks although I am not a native speaker. I remember a scene from a comedy tv show where one responds with “I’m good” and another one says “Superman is good, you are fine” 😁

Sheila Margaret Ward Stories and Songs

4y↑1.6K

I am British and I taught English up to and including Cambridge Proficiency for over forty years. First of all, I , for one, do say "I'm fine, thanks. How are you?" as do millions of other native speakers. As for "Not too shabby,." I've never heard this in my life. Is it a regional variant? You need to make it clear to your students in which context you can use these expressions. There are many formal situations in which these might noe be appropriate. By all means teach your students colloquial ways of speaking but don't tell them not to use a standard exchange which will serve them well whichever situation they find themselves in.

RUBÉN Rojas

4y↑46

So you mean it's ok and common to use 'I'm fine, thanks', even among native speakers? You are British and you say you use it. Because I also think it's regularly used by native speakers! I mean, it isn't an old fashioned or too formal expression?

Sheila Margaret Ward Stories and Songs

4y↑92

@RUBÉN Rojas It's perfectly normal. There are some more informal ways of responding but I rhink you're safer saying 'I'm fine, thanks.' especially in more formal contexts such as an international business or political meeting or a job interview etc. I have noticed a recent trend coming in from American usage to say "I'm good" but I have to admit I don't really like this. However, language evolves naturally and it may one day replace "I'm fine".

RUBÉN Rojas

4y↑30

Thank you Sheila, it's always good to have different points of view. Even better if they come from native speakers, I am Mexican but I have had friends from The UK, US, Canada. I have heard several ways to answer this question, actually I use different ways, but nobody has told me that 'I'm fine, thanks' is not commonly used. Thank you so much again.

rekan mohammed

4y↑14

I wish I have native speaker friend

TAPA

4y↑55

@rekan mohammed ....you can say I wish I had a native speaker friend

101 More Replies...

Tina N

1y↑10

I’m Greek-American and actually prefer saying the greeting “Good morning / afternoon / evening”, usually in cheerful smiling way.🙂 It sets the tone. If the other person cares to ask me “How are you?”*, I say “Ready to enjoy the new day / I’m enjoying this wonderful day”—even if I, personally, may not be— followed by “How about you?”
Otherwise the more usual “Can’t complain, thanks” or “I’m doing alright, thanks”.*
If nobody stresses on the YOU part of “How are you?”, then they just want to go on with their business and don’t really care… Why should I?

cs1810

2y↑833

English is my first language and "I'm fine thanks, how are you", is perfectly natural and common.

Music hugs

2y↑16

Thanks for sharing 🤗

stratman

2y↑22

absolutely.....by the way...i'm fine too...
greetings from germany....:-)

Tatjana

2y↑6

😅😅

Jaime Andres Arias

2y↑11

That answer "i'm fine thank you" is boring even in spanish. There are experessions in spanish as: estoy excelente, más o menos, he estado mejor, super bien.

super chili

2y↑2

When you're UK and don't like the English language from other countries would support this video. Facts.

36 More Replies...

Loc Nguyen Hoang

45w↑4

Language, after all, is mainly a means of communication between people all over the world and brings us closer to one another! So don’t make it more complicated and then ignore its main purpose!

meinsk

2y↑459

I’m an American and was raised by English parents. “I’m fine thanks, how are you?” Is what native English speakers commonly say - both American and British speakers. Everybody says that!!!

НАСТОЯЩИЙ ЧЕЛОВЕК

2y↑4

Meinsk, tell me, is Monday a day connected with monkey and not with Moon. Monkey's Day is a difficult day for working after days off.

Margarita Kleinman

2y↑2

@НАСТОЯЩИЙ ЧЕЛОВЕК Connected with the moon, not monkey!!

Margarita Kleinman

2y↑19

Agreed! People say "I'm fine" all the time, no one thinks it's "boring". But of course there are other ways to answer, as he explained in the video. But nothing wrong with saying "I'm fine"!

НАСТОЯЩИЙ ЧЕЛОВЕК

@Margarita Kleinman But Moon on the sky is not connrcted with Monday or americans cant sleep before new working week and spend night without sleeping and they observe the Moon for relax

Margarita Kleinman

2y↑2

@НАСТОЯЩИЙ ЧЕЛОВЕК The word "Monday" does indeed derive from "moon", and the word was used long before the USA existed.

25 More Replies...

Martin Rickards

2y↑90

As a native speaker, I've always reserved "How do you do?" for formal introductions and would expect to receive the original question as a reply. "I'm fine thanks ..." is also perfectly acceptable for informal use.

Arvind Kumar

Hii sir,could you help me to learn English if you could. Because i want to learn english but in our locality nobody can speak english that is why I'm not able to learn it. So i request you to be help me plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Anyamaly

2y↑1

Oh, I heard about this in one old textbook. It said that the reply to how do you do when introduction will sounds like how do you do. Is it true?

Martin Rickards

2y↑1

@Anyamaly In formal contexts, yes.

Martin Rickards

2y↑1

@Arvind Kumar I am sorry Arvind, but I can see little that I can do for you. Keep using the internet.

Margarita Kleinman

2y↑3

Yes, "how do you do?" is to be used when meeting someone for the first time; it does not mean "how are you?". One could say, "how are you doing?", but not "how do you do?".

9 More Replies...

Yannick Andreu

42w

MY GOD! It's always been a nightmare for me to give an answer from this simple chatter. As a French (I've said it all), I feel very uncomfortable not being able to answer this question freely!
OK, you did it 3 years ago, but thank you Greg! Thank you very much, you've got my subscription! 😍😍

Above all, I wanted to say that your enthusiastic energy was a real relief when you got off work !! 🙏

Alexander S. Rodionov

1y↑8

I am also using sometimes:
- Stil kicking
- Still above the ground
- There is always space for better
- With your help it will be better (like in a shop).

Joan Mackie

2y↑38

I’m British, and it was a French person who taught me (about 55 years ago) that it it correct to say « How do you do? » only when first being introduced to somebody. After that, « How are you? » is correct. As for the response, « I’m fine, thank you » is perfectly acceptable. It requires a fine-tuning of one’s social antenna to switch to one of the more colloquial questions, such as « How’s your belly off for wrinkles? » or responses such as « I’m in the pink ». When in doubt, stick to the formulaic and boring, then listen to what people around you are saying in different settings.

Davide Alberti

42w

Never heard this "rule" before. I dont't honestly think you should abide on it. How do you do is a perfectly fine opening.

michael Hu

1y↑17

I am a Chinese and English is my second or even third language. I think the reply to how are you taught by this British teacher is too difficult for non native speakers like me to use them naturally . I think its almost impossible say its shabby . Even pronounciation is too difficult ". I am fine , thanks " is a perfect expression for me in greetings with westerners. ... I think I will not use reply other than " I m fine , thanks" in my whole life . Lol 😆

Sidecar Misanthrope

My wife is Chinese and I have never heard her say "I am fine, thanks". Rarely have I heard anyone say that apart from when I lived in China.

Bissin

2y↑20

For non-native speakers that come to these types of "DO NOT SAY THIS THING, HERE ARE # BETTER WAYS!" Understand that the way you are generally taught in your school or private lessons is that of the more general way. It is a good option if you find yourself in a situation that you do not know which response would be appropriate or correct, you can always turn to the one taught to you at school. "I'm fine (thanks)." is one such response. There are dozens, if not hundreds of different ways to respond to "how are you?" that have specific contexts and are appropriate in different dialects of English, but the "I'm fine (thanks)." response is one that is a catch-all solution for any situation without it causing any fuss.

Peter C.

1y↑5

I think it's important to remember that non-native English speakers are not necessarily stupid and are most definitely human and not space alien or AI. They also speak a language natively and know that sometimes languages are taught formally and there are many informal and colloquial ways to say things which are not included in formal lessons. I think native speakers who never learn another language are more likely to think the non-natives are stupid, non human or autistic. :)
It's also how an older doctor would speak vs a younger med student. Med student would say hepatomegally, while an older doctor would just say enlarged liver.

Patryk Palarczyk

First of all. A greeting shouldn't be a question.

Hajime N.

46w↑2

I’m not a native English speaker but have lived in Canada for 30 years now and I’ve used and heard so many variations of responses to “How are you?” including “I’m fine, thank you(thanks)” and I think we got to acknowledge what Greg is saying here that he didn’t say it’s wrong to answer this way, just for him it sounds “boring” and “shabby”. I use that, too and hear from other Canadian fellows here as much as I hear “I’m good.”, “Not too bad.”, “Not too shabby”, “I’m alright.”….etc. Only one expression I’ve learned for the first time now is “I’m fair to middling.” I have never heard anyone said this in my entire 30 years in Canada. So it’s new to me and maybe I want to use it sometime. (Curious to see the reactions in general) Given the fact that Canada has established the country with majority of old and new immigrants from literally from all over the world, the way we express and even the accents are quite diverged yet all are understood and pretty much accepted so for the new comers to Canada that are learning English is a bit of a confusion for sure. But this makes us Canadian unique, little different from the US or UK and I like it. But going back to commonly used responses to “How are you?”, I even started to use, “I’m good.” which in my opinion it’s more American and people from rather younger generations and I’ve never used to it before because I’ve once learned that it was not grammatically correct however now it’s very commonly used. I’m a middle age person but I think it’s “cool” to fit into younger generations in some ways and why not? 😅

Mr Debussy

2y↑35

"I'm fine thanks" is a perfectly good answer. Sometimes we are just fine. It's natural and common - much more than "Not too shabby"

Sylvia ripley

I'm fine is fine to say. BUT not when you are not fine. A lot of people are not fine when they say I'm Fine. Sad but TRUE.

Mr Debussy

1y↑1

@Sylvia ripley Of course, but the video is about use of language, not about being honest about your emotions.

Leah Gerrard

1y↑1

@Mr Debussy We English say You alright mate? How are you is a posh RP dialect 😉

Dominique Levesque-Lirette

Thank you for making us pay attention to the words we every day use.

Like an opening in chess it might or will affect the rest that follows.

I am grateful that you pointed out something that this is a response that becomes so automatic
And yet we may want to pay attention to this and why not put joy and becoming alive and creative with the response!
Attention attention attention (zen principles or something?)
Thank you

Steve O

2y↑52

I have been speaking English for 60 years and will always reply "Fine thanks, how are you?" to a question of "How are you?" It is very widespread, polite and perfectly acceptable. "Non too shabby"? from a native speaker this sounds self conscious and affected from a non native speaker, you'll get a laugh. But for the wrong reasons.

Liza Bocco

2y↑9

If someone replied 'not too shabby' to me, I would mark them down as very suspicious.

Robert Wilson

2y↑5

I'm fine thank you or very well thank you are infinitely better than the Americanism of" I'm good" when no one was asking about your behaviour.

Sveta Ama

2y↑2

@Robert Wilson 😄

Daisy

2y↑1

"shabby chic" yes when refering to a piece of furniture but not "none too shabby" definitely No, you'll get laughed out of the room!

Fredrick Frederickson

2y↑1

People are responding with variations of the stock phrases that are taught. What is taught is "I'm fine thank you, and you?" Dropping the I'm and changing the second part to how are you updates the expression at least 100 years.

2 More Replies...

JP

2y↑30

I am a native English speaker and I absolutely do say "I'm fine thanks, how are you?", as does pretty much everyone I know. For most people the opening pleasantries are no more than a standard way to start a conversation, and in the majority of cases, "How are you?" is not a real question. If anything it is slightly rude to answer with any real information about how happy or sad you might be. If you know each other well, the conversation itself will soon turn to how you actually are, but otherwise, you shouldn't burden a stranger with displays of ecstasy or despair. Perky replies sound insincere to many British ears, rather like the overly bright greetings used by some restaurant staff.

Vincent Paul Selvaraj

By the grace of God fine.

Truth seeker Hill

2y↑4

Greg. I appreciate your attempt to increase our vocabulary. I work in a very exclusive” spa, in Florida, and any of your suggestions would be absolutely embarrassing. I have to give the impression I’m on top of the world and in perfect health. “I’m fine, thank you” or “great” would be an appropriate response. Anything with a question to it like”I’m ok”or worse”I’ve been better” would leave a question as to what’s wrong. Thank you, but I will continue with my same response.

Micha

2y↑1

Exactly, everything less than fine makes people think you have a lot of problems.

Bruno Orsatto Lanferdini

1y↑1

Hi Greg, I'm brazilian and I teach english here in Brazil, often I watch your videos so I can know better the english language and get inspired for my lessons, thank you very much for your videos. And congratulations! You're fantastic!

Sivaprakasam Subbiah

48w

Poor fellow

Harry Tietze

47w

Fraquinho

Sachiko Baba

1y↑1

It´s very interesting to know some more alternatives than I´m fine thank you. Because if I watch drama or follow native conversations, I must know these to understand better. You find these never in the study books. Teachers don´t tell any words from real life which are spoken between the natives. Very useful and good job!

matityahu tal

2y↑21

Dear Greg,
A good friend of mine suggested to me that in response to the question "How are you?" you should always answer "excellent" or "superb", no matter the real situation is, so that whoever loves me will be happy to hear and whoever hates me will explode.

dunkel-zombi fiziert-heit

that s a nice one!

frktons

It's quite interesting to notice that in Italian Language, my native one, alla these way of saying "I'm fine" and many others are real in common spoken language.

Aleksandra

2y↑30

Interesting remark about the fact that we say "not bad ", "can't complain " when everything is actually good and fine but when we want to emphasize that something is wrong we use the positive words like "I've been better ", "not great ". It struck me! How could I never notice it? 😅 I guess it applies to many languages and cultures. I'm from Poland and we even have a single word for "not bad" which is "nieźle". It's actually a combination of 2 words with the same exact meaning like in English: "nie-źle" = "not-bad". We are complicated creatures indeed 😂

Akinom8002

1y↑3

Hanging in there / not to shabby / fair to middling - most of the time I do not speak English with native speakers, I think that most of non-native speakers would not understand these answers (me included). I would like to mention that we use word "fine" in my native language so maybe even because of this fact people can use it in English too.

Michael Voitz

2y↑2

Great video 👍🏼.. my all time favorite answer is: I am fine if you are fine! - this gets a smile at the minimum usually ✊🏼☺️

cssuntherrao

2y↑6

Most of the times one can sense that the question "how are you?" is just a courteous way to start a conversation and not that the person asking really wants to know how you are. So replying "Iam fine, thank you" is just so simple and easy, to go through the routine. Whatever other way you reply really doesn't matter. If the person asking is sincerely concerned, he would not just ask "how are you?" but something like "hope you are keeping well" or something which let's you feel that he is really concerned about your wellbeing.

Dmitri Pogosian

2y↑3

Honestly, to me, non-English speaker, 'I am fine, thanks' always feels like 'I don't want to talk to you any further'

Smartphone Videography by Friis-Holst

2y↑42

I'm Danish and as a Dane I often think about this English/American "how are you?" where I'm not quite sure what to answer other than "I'm fine thanks. How are you?", because that's what I was taught in English classes in school. In Denmark, if you ask a person "how are you?" you ask because you sincerely are interested to hear the answer. You might say that in Denmark it's kind of rude to ask a person "how are you?" if you actually don't care😊

Biancamaria Toncini

2y↑3

Thumbs up for common sense and sensitivity

Alfred Baudisch (Pardall)

2y↑2

Yeah I love that in Denmark and not the typical: "how are you" that happens in other parts of the world where the real question is not actually intended, and if you answer it for real the other person will roll their eyes "ok ok I don't really want to hear how are you, it was just a conversation opener" - that's so confusing and shallow. I'd rather kill the "how are you" question and have it only asked in literal ways, for example in the doctor "how are you [feeling]" or things like that.

Smartphone Videography by Friis-Holst

2y↑2

@Alfred Baudisch (Pardall) I totally agree👍

Jaye Andre

2y↑5

In the US, especially Southern states, when a stranger says " how are you doing or how is it going" it's being used as a salutation. You can just say "good and you." Unless they know you personally, they don't really care or want to know how you are.

Smartphone Videography by Friis-Holst

@Jaye Andre Yes, I know and that sometimes makes it a little difficult to Danes😁 Don't ask if you don't care😊

5 More Replies...

Paul B

2y↑24

I know it's hard to make content for Yahoo, but I feel sorry for non-natives listening to this. It's really not right to mislead them on a phrase like this, no matter how much you dislike it, even if your personal dislike is genuine.

meinsk

2y↑4

Agreed!! If somebody said “fair to middling” in response to me asking “how are you?” I’d think they were an oddball. The other responses are acceptable, but the safest bet is to stick with “Fine thanks, how are you?” Or simply just “fine thanks.”!

Fredrick Frederickson

2y↑1

@meinsk That's somewhat common in America, but it would sound weird if someone foreign looking with a foreign accent used it. That's more of a blue collar/farmer type of response. I find in my own language learning efforts (French, Korean, Vietnamese etc) I feel too much time is wasted on the the niceties. Teach me directions, how to bargain, discuss the weather, basic useful stuff. I probably won't be meeting the French King anytime soon.

Stella Williams

When you think of the word "fine" in terms of excellence, it is an appropriate and upbeat response to the question "How are you?". In the South, we kick it up a notch by saying, "finer than frog hair". It's a positive, friendly, and slightly humorous response that normally elicits a smile from the questioner.

Xavier Bage

1y↑4

As an English teacher in India, I find your videos very useful. Thank you.

Slow Learner

1y↑1

Hey, Greg. The most I like in your videos it's your positivity. And it's great for your students. Thank you.

Thomas Stevens

2y↑6

I remember once, I asked my dad, “How are you?” His reply to me was, “I’m placid and will remain so.” That tickled me. Now I know that’s not exactly what you would teach someone who’s learning English as it’s a bit offbeat, but still mildly humorous.

ReddishRocks

Oh I’m stealing that. I teach middle school, and whenever the children ask me what we are doing that day in class I say, “Work hard and suffer mightily, for life is pain.“ Anytime I can throw them off is a win for me lol

ReddishRocks

2y↑1

My father also has fun with “Have a nice day!” He replies, “They all good, just some better.” I like “Too late, already good!”

Milan Skudnik

2y↑25

I always reply: ,,Extremely bad." This is definitely not an expected classic boring answer. It works for me, an upcomming conversation always becomes more intereting, because people are curious to find out what's wrong. Nobody cares if you just say that you are fine.

Altamas Parsanov

2y↑2

Nice idea! I'll follow this from today.😌

OggyXXXL

2y↑6

Also you can say “im dying”

TNToncourt

2y↑1

You sound a bag of laughs..........not

Lee cheng Ho

Never ever hear of anyone in my family, relatives or friends use 'extremely bad'. It sounds as though something really disastrous is happening to u.

Milan Skudnik

2y↑1

@Lee cheng Ho ...and that is the point!

3 More Replies...

Max Stepaniuk

2y↑6

I always say "Still alive" or "Still in one piece"☺ During my University study we've been calling this kind of simple everyday expressions "Placeholders", cause they sound banal and stale. There are a lot of opportunities for some creativity and fun.

Michael Greer

I agree. Sometimes I like to say, “I can’t complain loudly enough.”

Ayi Rohayati

1y↑1

Thanks for the alternatives of saying "I'm okay." I learned a lot and as a non-natives, this video helps.

Cathy Primault

4y↑6

Thank you Greg for this great video, what would you say as a native speaker to someone you meet for the first time, let's say for a job interview? Would you say "Nice to meet you too" if you're being said " Nice to meet you"? Or is there a more relaxed or common way ? Thank you I really enjoy your videos 👏

lisagd22

2y↑1

In the US, a lot of people would say "You too" or maybe "Thanks, you too." In a situation like a job interview, you'll often see the interviewer say "Nice to meet you" and the person being interviewed will also say "Nice to meet you" before the interviewer has finished speaking, usually after the first couple words. Always let the interviewer start to speak first; they're the one with the power in this interaction. This is one of the few times it's not considered rude to talk before the other person has finished.

Michael Greer

2y↑2

Yes, “Nice to meet you” is good when meeting someone for the first time in a formal setting

Cathy Primault

@Michael Greer thanks Michael !

I L

2y↑1

"Nice is a bit effeminate". Say "shove off you knob head". Works for me 🤪

Sven Ringling

2y↑12

I spent a decade amongst the British tribes and lived to tell the tale. "I'm fine, how are you?" seemed quite common, albeit boring.
My favourites:
"We mustn't grumble", because it feels so quintessentially British to me.
and "It could be worse." possibly followed by "I guess", suggesting it's bad enough already. This version tends to trigger the best conversations

Alvin Dunuan

I'm a Filipino and i truly like the alternatives it makes sense in different ways of expressing oneself.

Abdilahi Cawad

I am a foreigner who learnt English through text books particularly ones written by British writers. Having watched this video I asked myself why almost all English course books use boring English words like “Fine thanks.” I hope native speakers will give a reply to this.

Adam HART

2y↑17

Hello Greg! I just subscribed to your channel. I am an American living in France, and I teach English mostly to adults but also to some kids. This video is so great, because every time I greet a group of students I usually say “hey, how’s it going?“ And they stare at me blankly, until I say “how are you?“ To which they reply, often in unison, “fine, thanks, how are you?“ I have worn out many dry erase markers listing better questions and responses, but this video puts it all together, and I will definitely use it in class. Looking forward to discovering more of your videos! Thanks!!

Miguel Ángel Fernández

2y↑3

Fine is boring but , you spent one half of the video with no alternatives! And that is not boring, man?

Christophe OLIVA

1y↑1

Couldn't agree more... As a French guy who studied english at school and lived in California, I would say that "How is it going ?" is more "American" (I'd spare you the "Hey, what's up, Dude ?" everybody was using when I was living in L.A.) and "How are you ?" is more "English".. In a professional situation, I've always used "Fine, thank you.. How are you ?" and nobody ever seemed surprised by my answer. I also use "I'm good" or "Not so bad" in less formal situations.. Am I mistaking ??

Nicholas Shawver

As an American, I use it on a regular basis to people like retail workers. Culturally, we’re required in certain professions to take interest. We know it’s culturally required and the person is likely to not actually care. So a neutral and noncommittal response is acceptable.

Jojo

2y↑3

Thanks Greg for your sharing. I always said "I'm fine" but thanks to you I'm going to change. Very useful, very fun, I really love you videos.

Golbon Mol

I lived in Canada over 9 years and honestly, if anyone replied "I'm fine Thank you" instead of just "good" (although it is supposed to be well) I would feel the conversation is well attended.
Also my Canadian friends do use "how do you do" alot, in fact to be cheeky.
More importantly as far as I understand, being alright, not bad, or not too bad, or the inability to not complain, or hanging in there etc. is not the same as being fine. We use alright etc. alot just to be concise (and boring) also to point that we are not philosophically in a state of complete satisfaction about the world.
Now I don't know about the UK but I am sure it's not far from this.

Mark

Hello Greg,
Watching your channel for the first time. I'm curious about the somewhat recent trends of starting a sentence with the world "So", making statements that sound like questions, (upspeak) and the extremely annoying "croaking voice". (Primarily used by women) I would like to know about your experience with these. Thanks! Mark

Enjoys Learning And travel

1y↑1

I am American native raised by American parents who traveled a lot for business and I was taught to say I’m fine thanks of course I could vary that by using more slang from around my friends.

This recent phrase that I’ve started hearing in the United States with the reply, I’m good sounds terrible to my ears, I want to say, i’m glad you’re not bad. Because the reply I’m good means something different than just your feeling good.

MC

And what about " I’m ok" ? Btw, I’m French and really need to know.. :)

Squangan

2y↑2

In North America I have been replying, “I’m fine, thanks” or a less formal, “Fine, thanks” my entire life and hearing other people say it as well day after day. Travelling throughout NA I have never heard, “Not to shabby” as a phrase except on very rare occasions in reference to completing a job successfully.

Basil Maz

I have heard "not too shabby" used in the U.S. Maybe older Americans use it more, but I know I've most definitely heard it. You can respond to "How are you?" by saying "Not too shabby".

Yorumcu Turk

I'm usually giving an answer to this question by saying NOT TOO BAD. I'm having conversation with many people in every day because of my job. When I say not too bad, people reaction is less energic. But when I say "I'm fine thanks. How are you ?" or " I'm fine thanks, yourself?" , people response is better and more energic. The answer for this question is not really matter. But the rest of conversation is matter. You have to understand that person personality and situation quickly and talk to that person according to his/her situation. Is that person educated or not educated...etc. So, you can continue to conversation to attract them to talk more and interest your talking. You can affect them if you want it.

Ar Am

2y↑12

We don't need to be more positive. We need to be more true. If you're feeling crap, I don't want you to pretend you're doing ok. Soft language and nice wrappings are - like sugar - slowly killing us.

Onbehaard

1y↑1

Well, that depends very much on our relationship. If you are an old friend and I feel crap, then I'd say something like, "..yeah, fine... but.. you know...". If you are a mere acquaintance, then "I'm fine, thanks." is all I am prepared to say and then move on.

A K

@Onbehaard Yes, unfortunately, the consumer attitude towards people has become the norm. Now human care must be earned and bought. This, of course, makes it less human.

Peter C.

1y↑1

I despise the positivity. The whole 'how are you thing' is an ice breaker, an introduction to start the communication.

Alberta Owusu

Don't ask

Strawberry F

1y↑1

Just what I was needing. I’m hispanic with some English basic knowledge and I work as Security Guard next to the office of the viceprincipal. Everyday he pass near me, he says “how are you” and I only say him:”I’m fine.” I was thinking how can I change my answer, and you appeared!😉

Chesmy Kamar

You’re a good speaker , you pronounce every word clearly.

JPX

I heard "I'm fine" recently from "The IT crowd".
I used to reply in that way because people asking are not interested in my answer. Also, sometimes, I said "yesterday was a better day" and I see their reactions.

Paola Alegria

1y↑1

Hi Greg!
I liked your video. I'm Chilean (Chile South America) and I have been teaching English for many years and this video is really helpful as an up dating material...only one question: why do you use "Wonderfully" as an adjective if it is an adverb? Is that common among natives? Thanks!

EasterDeer

You can use adverbs to describe adjectives sometimes. "My new car is wonderfully large" = "My new car is large and I think it's wonderful that it's large". "This plant is strangely purple" = "This plant is purple and I think that it's strange that it is purple". Don't know if that's what you mean but you will hear sentences like that sometimes 😄

william whitaker

47w

Wonderfully modifies the verb "doing" or "going". How are you doing? Wonderfully. How's it going? Wonderfully.

Nicola Granvogl

Agreeing 100 with him.
Fine means: fluffed up, irritated, neurotic and emotional🤔
I do like the response y 92 old neighbour gave me.
He just answered:" so far so good, battling along" and that with a smile

Alexander Kuptsov

2y↑10

I think 'I'm fine' is absolutely regular in the States. It's been very long since I went there but I'm sure I heard it on a regular basis there.

John Dandelion

2y↑1

Not a native, lived in UK for 13 years though and my favourite by a mile is: 'Champion!' :)
My observation is different: most locals replied: fine/ same old/ all right, but when someone said 'not so bad' meant it was really bad (cancer diagnosis level, I'm a dentist so got that message on medical interview from my patients sometimes).

Castelo de Ossos

I have heard 'Not so bad' in former colonies where the elder generation learned English in school from native speakers, and in my ears it means, 'I'm not well.' Would never say it myself for that reason as was brought up never to speak of feeling unwell, as that was considered bad manners.

WaheedUlHaq

Being native or foreign makes little difference when it comes to standard/textbook rules.

Safina

I'm not American and I'm not British but I always use I'm good when I get tired of it I say awesome. I never new the difference. It's great with variations.
Great lessons it made me creative.

Doctor KJ

1y↑1

Col Umesh G

1y↑1

I am an Indian. I like to be positive. When someone says "How are you?" I generally say " Fighting Fit" or " Enjoying Life".

Franco Marini

4y↑6

Hi Greg, I've stopped answering "I'm fine" for a couple of years, thanks to several English lessons on YouTube!
I was thinking that the British Alright?/Alright! has the equivalent in Italian by saying Tutto bene?/Sì, tutto bene, which reminds me of the Portuguese Tudo bem?/Tudo bem!

Sarel Ito

Alright is all wrong!

Troy Qwert

Hey, in Portuguese it is Ta bom/ta bom!

lisagd22

Sort of like "Ca va?" "Ca va." in French. (Sorry, I don't have the correct C on my keyboard.)

Troy Qwert

@lisagd22, ca va bien!

2 More Replies...

Christina Duncan

I loved this! I don't agree with Sheila Margaret Ward that Greg was saying "I'm fine, thanks; how are you?" is wrong; it's okay, just predictable and it has one problem: Oftentimes I have a lot on my mind or am really busy and don't have time for any personal conversation, yet I still want to sound upbeat. So for me, "I'm good," stressing both words equally as I smile broadly is a reply I'll be using! Thanks, Greg!

Frank Sierow

In teaching I think the main thing to teach is the subject. What you hate, or like, is secondary to that.

ruclamicro

Muito bom!

Mariya Belova

Funny , I am not native , but I conduct interviews with people from UK and USA , and they usually say - how are you ? - I am fine , thank you. I also thought we were not taught well in school

Cigar Newbie

As a young man I decided I need a go-to answer to this kind of question. I'm not a small-talk kind of person and honestly I could go without the question altogether. But since it's such a normal part of interacting with the humans, it's necessary to have something locked and loaded. My response is always "Good. You?"

CplSyx

3y↑11

Nobody says “I’m fine thanks how are you”, but everybody here interacts along the lines of
“How you doing?”
“Fine, you?”
“Yeah fine”

“Fine” is a perfectly normal and native response if used less formally

Yorumcu Turk

The answer for this question is not really matter. But the rest of conversation is matter. You have to understand that person personality and situation quickly and talk to that person according to his/her situation. Is that person educated or not educated...etc. So, you can continue to conversation to attract them to talk more and interest your talking. You can affect them if you want it.

P.M.S. 62

What you say in a conversation is normally dictated by the situation. If you are talking to a friend responses will be warmer and informal, while other situations or circumstances will result in greater formality, ie, a work meeting, an interview, meeting somebody at a party where your knowledge of the other speaker/s is limited. At such a time, "I'm fine, thanks" is perfectly acceptable. It is a neutral answer which allows both the speaker and the receiver to make a judgement whether or not to go further with the discussion/ exchange. If you choose not to lengthen the conversation it's possible to duck away without hurting the feelings of the other. Any disclosure of feelings as a response often results in the meeting becoming a more traditional discussion acceptable to all parties.

KTP (Karachi Tuition Point)

Dear Sir!
My favourite answer is: I'm okay!
Thanks for delivering new ways to answer like: "I'm still hanging in there. Fair in middling." But, here in Pakistan, people will not understand them if I use them. 🌹

PK SMITH

1y↑1

I'm American and using 'not too shabby' would refer to things not how a person is feeling. If we see a great looking classic car pass by we could say, 'that's not too shabby' implying that what we are seeing is really nice. Another example, if my husband and I arrive at a first-time destination that exceeds our expectations we might say, 'nice place, not too shabby'. This is how we would use the 'not too shabby' phrase. It's used more commonly among older people in my experience.

Basil Maz

1y↑1

I'm American and would use "shabby" for cars and also for how I'm feeling. It might not be as common as it used to be, but it's definitely valid to say. It's obviously been used as the guy in the video and myself have heard it. Again, it might not be as common.

Yuri Nazarenko

Today I watched an interview with Martin L. Gore of Depeche Mode (he is British) and he was asked: - How are you? He replied: - I am good, thank you. So, it looks like native speakers do use "I am fine/good, thank you."

JP

2y↑7

I just made a comment defending the use of "I'm fine, thanks", but I do have an alternative that a very elderly friend used to use. To the question "How are you?", she would reply "Upright and breathing." When I asked her why she said that, she told me "because it's better than the alternative".

Anny Mendoza

Thanks for helping,Your videos are fun and educational.make the difficult easy👍

Sona Turabova

Your and your videos are very positive,thanks for your hard work.👍

Salvador Garduño

Thanks Greg. Your lessons are great 'cause you Make this beautiful language catching and interesting.🎵🍷🤙💯🎩 Rock and roll 🎷🎸

Olivia

Thank u ao much Greg for everything u do. You are amazing!!!🙂🙃

Lynn Quin

Actually, I only ask a person 'how are you' (other than family or close friends) because etiquette and courtesy seems to demand it. I don't actually like being asked, I know it's an automatic thing that people do but how I'm feeling or doing is something I don't feel the need to to share with just anyone even if I am 'just fine'.

Maksym Grygorov

2y↑4

For those of you who would rather get to the topic it starts at 3:40.

stan balo

2y↑1

I think im fine is acceptable especially when the other person is totally a stranger like when you are in a shop. But if it is class or workmates, im fine is a bit too "distant"

Jano Toledo Vigo

I have a silly question for you:
I spent 15 years of my life living in London. I studied there, I grew up there and so on. When I used to meet with some friends and we asked each other "what's up?" Or "sup?" We normally said "not THAT bad" instead of "not TOO bad"
And, my query is what the differences are in between these two guys as you just explained "not TOO bad"

Tamara Black

1y↑1

A formal way of replying to how are you is ,I am fine thank you... PERIOD 😊

Chrisonaut

I know it's not that polite but I am honest and would recommend "English with Lucy": in my opinion better alternatives to the typical question HDYD and not as stereotypical in many ways. There is no accounting for taste though!
Still a great job in raising awareness about the subject ✌️

Jacques Verwey

2y↑3

I used to to reply with “I’m Alive” which always made people laugh which as you said sets a good tone for the rest of the conversation.
These days I reply with “I can’t complain, nobody listens” 🤣🤣

Petra Marášková

4y↑6

Thank you for this video! 🙂
I need to try some of the expressions in my next meeting.
How could we ask “how are you” in a different way?

Anderson Ilyas

We can do it together Petra just to improve ourselves ?!

dave l

As a native speaker, my go to is "How's it?".

Robert Wilson

Why do you need a different way?

lisagd22

2y↑1

I'm in the US. We might say "How's it going?" or "How you doin'?" Notice that the G is left off "doing." Those are both informal ways of asking, though, especially "How you doin'?" In a business situation, you could probably use "How's it going?" with people you have known for a while. If you're talking to someone you just met or some sort of supervisor or upper-level manager, you're usually safer saying “How are you?” until they start to speak with you more informally. To sound more natural, don't say "How are you?"; instead, run the words together a bit, more like "How'er you?" The same applies to "How's it going?": "Howzit going?"

Altamas Parsanov

How do you do? Howdy?

2 More Replies...

Michael Greer

2y↑1

The Beatles song “Getting Better” was inspired by an associate of the band who, when asked how he was doing, would always reply “It’s getting better all the time.” I like that one.

2002budokan

I'm not native speaker and want to improve my English, but now after I read the comments from other teachers below, I'm in doubt. TV shows, and films tell me also the opposite, it seems nothing wrong with "I'm fine, thanks".

distantthunder

Thanks a lot, mr Geg ! Well done! Gotta be more native in my answers..I am a brazilian student ! I am pretty good, now..! To hell avec I am fine, thanks ! 😉

Marcela Sosa

Hi! My native language is Spanish. A british friend's just asked me that, and my answer was "alive and kicking". I wish I saw this video earlier.... feeling like I should go back to English kinder !

Павел Кылысов

Thanks so much for the lesson! That was really great to hear some British expressions of replying to the question, 'How are you?' ! ))
Greg, I've got just one question. In the example with 'You alright?', where the verb 'to be' is?

Andrei Rublev

2y↑2

Auxiliary verbs can be omitted in informal situations. (Are) you alright? (Do) you want more coffee?

Павел Кылысов

@Andrei Rublev thanks! ))

Squidigin

2y↑5

When someone asks “how are you”, point at them with both hands, smile and say “living the dream!” for a very positive response.
Edit: I’ve never heard anyone younger than 50 say the word “shabby”

Lee cheng Ho

2y↑2

'shabby' sounds rather an ugly word, so I rather stick to 'I am fine, thanks' or 'I am good'

HappyBerry Crochet

Lol great response 😂

Carlo Buenaventura

Surviving!😂 (from me the aircraft Maint Engineer to inbound Capt)

Carlo Buenaventura

Next time i will use 'living the dream!' ❤

Nadiya Nadi

2y↑1

I feel at ease when you gives us advice in english speaking you are the best 👍👍

Dmitriy P

When I was learning English in college, the teacher asked me: How are you? I said: Good. She said: No good, you need to say, Fine. I said, If I could speak English well, than should be Fine, but now is good. She said: You are learning and will be Fine.

joão xico

2y↑1

Replying "I'm fine" may be boring but it's not wrong at all!

Rasim Gatin

1y↑2

Brilliant Teacher ! I've never met explanation like that!

Lidia De Gouveia

You can say how you feel, all the ones that were mentioned in my opinion sounds good, I sometimes say, I'm splendid and you, you can have fun and speak what you feel, people criticize you no matter what you say or do, live your life

beethovensbeloved

1y↑7

After nearly two years of working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic I went back to my office. People entering the room would ask "How are you?" and my answer was "I'm alive!" That made coworkers burst into laughter.

La Eternidad

Very nice, thank you.
I liked all those alternatives to respond when being asked "how are you?"
Best wishes!

Katriona Murphy

1y↑1

1st person) Alright
2nd person) Alright
And in that moment we both know our greeting is done. And it's alright 👍
From London, England, UK 🇬🇧

Richrico Granada

I never ask anybody “how are you”. But if they ask me I just respond “I’m blessed!”

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