The subtle distinctions between “How do you do?”and “How are you?”
“How do you do?” is usually used for formal occasions, and both parties are meeting for the first time.
It’s usually accompanied with a handshake.
The response can be also “How do you do”or “I’m pleased to meet you “.
“How are you?” can be used for both formal and informal occasions. The two sides of the conversation are familiar with each other.
The response can be “very well thank you “or”I’m fine thanks,and you?”
Chinese (Simplified)
English
Or, if you want to be naughty (调皮), you can can answer: “Do you really want to know?” (this is bad manners, of course 🙂 )
The pattern:
A: How are you?
B: Fine, thank you. And you?
Is a way to build relationship. It’s not really intended to share lots of information.
If you break the pattern as follows:
A: How are you?
B: Do you really want to know?
you get A thinking: “Oh my God! I really don’t want this information. ”
This response, “Do you really want to know? ” would only ever be done as a joke with really good friends 🙂
Thanks for sharing:)
Indeed, greetings between good friends are very free and natural, and occasionally a joke can deepen mutual friendship.