Learn English – “How are we?” vs. “How are you?”

differencesmeaning

What's the appropriate response to "How are we?" and what is it actually referring to?

Best Answer

The 'we' in "how are we" is the same 'we' used when a teacher asks a child "Why don't we put down the toy and wash up for lunch?" Dictionary.com:

  1. you (used familiarly, often with mild condescension or sarcasm, as in addressing a child, a patient, etc.): We know that's naughty, don't we? It's time we took our medicine.

"How are we?" Is the question a nurse might ask you when entering the room: "Oh, and how are we doing today?" The proper response is the same response given to "How are you," however truthful or terse you wish to keep said response.