En 15 secondes
- A very formal greeting used only for first-time introductions.
- Do not answer with details about your life or health.
- The standard response is to repeat the phrase back exactly.
Signification
This is a very formal way to say 'Hello' when you meet someone for the first time. It is not actually a question about your health or feelings, but a polite greeting.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Meeting a CEO at a gala
How do you do, Mr. Sterling?
Formal greeting to Mr. Sterling
Being introduced to a partner's grandparents
How do you do, Mrs. Higgins? It is an honor.
Formal greeting to an elder
A humorous moment with a close friend
How do you do, my dear fellow? Shall we have tea?
Mock-formal greeting
Contexte culturel
Originating in the 1600s, this phrase was originally a genuine inquiry about one's health ('How do you fare?'). By the Victorian era, it became a rigid social ritual where the only correct response was to repeat the phrase back, emphasizing social decorum over personal connection.
The Echo Rule
If you're nervous, just remember the 'Echo Rule': whatever they say, say it back. It's the safest way to handle this phrase.
Don't get personal
Avoid saying 'I'm good' or 'I'm tired.' This phrase is a social ritual, not a real question about your life.
En 15 secondes
- A very formal greeting used only for first-time introductions.
- Do not answer with details about your life or health.
- The standard response is to repeat the phrase back exactly.
What It Means
How do you do? is a classic English greeting. It sounds like a question, but it is actually a statement of politeness. When you say it, you are not asking if the other person is sick or happy. You are simply acknowledging them in a very respectful way. Think of it as a verbal handshake. It is the gold standard for traditional English manners.
How To Use It
This phrase is unique because the answer is usually the same as the question. If someone says How do you do? to you, you should look them in the eye and say How do you do? right back. You can also say Pleased to meet you. Do not start talking about your long day at work or your cold. That would be a funny but awkward mistake! Keep it short and crisp.
When To Use It
Use this when you are in a very formal setting. It is perfect for a high-end business meeting. Use it if you are being introduced to someone much older or someone with a high title. If you ever meet a member of a royal family or a CEO at a gala, this is your go-to line. It shows you have excellent manners and know the 'old school' rules.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this with your friends or family. They will think you are joking or being sarcastic! Avoid it at the gym, the grocery store, or in a casual text message. If you say this to a barista while buying coffee, they might look at you like you are from a 19th-century movie. It is too stiff for everyday life.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from a time when British social classes were very strict. It was the only acceptable way for 'polite society' to meet. While it is less common today, it still carries a sense of prestige. It is more common in British English than American English. It represents a culture that values privacy and formal distance over immediate friendliness.
Common Variations
If How do you do? feels too heavy, you can try Nice to meet you or It is a pleasure to meet you. In the US, people often just say How are you? even if they do not know you. In very posh circles, you might hear How do? as a very short, clipped version, though that is quite rare now.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is strictly for first-time introductions. Using it with someone you already know is a major social faux pas.
The Echo Rule
If you're nervous, just remember the 'Echo Rule': whatever they say, say it back. It's the safest way to handle this phrase.
Don't get personal
Avoid saying 'I'm good' or 'I'm tired.' This phrase is a social ritual, not a real question about your life.
The British Touch
While rare in the US, using this in the UK at a formal event will make you sound incredibly sophisticated and well-educated.
Exemples
6How do you do, Mr. Sterling?
Formal greeting to Mr. Sterling
Used here to show high respect to a person of authority.
How do you do, Mrs. Higgins? It is an honor.
Formal greeting to an elder
Shows you are polite and well-mannered to the family.
How do you do, my dear fellow? Shall we have tea?
Mock-formal greeting
Using such a formal phrase with a friend is clearly a joke.
How do you do, Ambassador?
Formal greeting to a diplomat
The perfect phrase for international protocol.
How do you do? I've heard great things about your work.
Formal professional greeting
Sets a serious and respectful tone for the relationship.
How do you do? I have waited a long time to meet you.
Respectful first meeting
Maintains dignity while acknowledging the weight of the moment.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct response when someone says 'How do you do?'
Person A: 'How do you do?' Person B: '___'
In formal English, the traditional response to 'How do you do?' is to repeat the phrase back.
Identify the best situation to use this phrase.
You should use 'How do you do?' when ___.
This phrase is reserved for the most formal introductions.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Greeting Formality Scale
Friends and family
What's up?
Coworkers and shops
How are you?
Business and elders
Nice to meet you
Official ceremonies
How do you do?
Where to use 'How do you do?'
Royal Meeting
Meeting a Duchess
Job Interview
Meeting a Senior Partner
Wedding
Meeting the In-laws
Award Ceremony
Meeting a VIP
Banque d exercices
2 exercicesPerson A: 'How do you do?' Person B: '___'
In formal English, the traditional response to 'How do you do?' is to repeat the phrase back.
You should use 'How do you do?' when ___.
This phrase is reserved for the most formal introductions.
🎉 Score : /2
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsGrammatically yes, but socially no. It is a formulaic greeting that does not require an answer about your well-being.
The most traditional response is simply to say How do you do? back to the person who said it to you.
Only if it is a very formal company or your first time meeting them. Otherwise, Good morning or How are you? is better.
Yes, but mostly in very high-society events, diplomatic circles, or extremely formal business settings.
How are you? is a genuine question for people you know. How do you do? is a formal ritual for people you don't know.
It is rarely used in emails. It is much more common as a spoken greeting during a face-to-face introduction.
It is used in both, but it is much more associated with British 'Received Pronunciation' and traditional UK etiquette.
You can, and people will understand you, but it marks you as someone who doesn't know the specific 'How do you do?' etiquette.
It might sound a bit 'stiff' or 'old-fashioned' coming from a teenager, but it shows great respect to elders.
Just smile and say Pleased to meet you. It is polite and fits the formal mood perfectly.
Expressions liées
Pleased to meet you
A standard formal way to greet someone for the first time.
It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance
An extremely formal and slightly old-fashioned greeting.
How are you getting on?
A British way to ask how someone is doing with a specific task.
Nice to meet you
The most common neutral greeting for new people.
