Como vão as coisas?

Grammatically, this is a plural powerhouse. Because as coisas (the things) is plural, the verb ir (to go) must be conjugated as vão. You’ll mostly hear this in the beginning of a conversation, usually right after the initial 'Hi'. On WhatsApp, it’s a great 'conversation starter' to send to someone you haven't spoken to in a week. You don't need to overthink the grammar—just remember that things are always plural here. If you try to say Como vai as coisas?, it sounds a bit like saying 'How is the things?' in English—people will understand you, but your grammar might look like it’s still in pajamas. Keep it plural, keep it smooth, and you're golden.

This phrase lives in the 'Golden Zone' of neutrality. It is safe to use with your boss during a casual Zoom check-in, but it’s also perfectly at home in a group chat with your gaming buddies. It isn't 'street slang' that would make you sound like a teenager, nor is it so formal that you’d use it to address a judge. It’s the white t-shirt of Portuguese phrases—it fits almost everywhere. In a professional email to a client you’ve worked with for a while, it adds a nice touch of human connection. In a text to a crush, it’s a low-pressure way to see if they’re busy. It’s polite without being stiff, and casual without being lazy. It’s the ultimate social multi-tool.

Imagine you’re scrolling through Instagram and see a friend’s post about their new apartment. You could comment: Parabéns! E como vão as coisas por aí? (Congrats! And how are things going over there?). Or, think about a LinkedIn message to a former coworker: Oi, Paulo! Faz tempo que não nos falamos. Como vão as coisas no novo emprego? (Hi, Paulo! It's been a while since we talked. How are things going at the new job?). You’ll even hear it in Netflix shows when characters meet at a bar after the opening credits. It’s the standard 'catch-up' currency. Even if you're just ordering food on an app and the delivery driver is running late, a quick message like Tudo bem, sem pressa. Como vão as coisas no trânsito? can turn a stressful moment into a friendly one.

Use this when you want to show that you are paying attention. It’s perfect for the second or third line of a message. Use it when you are genuinely curious but don't want to ask a specific, pointed question. It’s great for 'warming up' a conversation before asking for a favor, or for maintaining a relationship with someone you don't see every day. Use it when someone looks a bit tired and you want to give them an opening to vent, or when someone looks happy and you want to hear the good news. Basically, if you want to be a 'nice person' in Portuguese, this phrase is your best friend. It’s the conversational equivalent of a warm hug.

You should probably skip this during a very formal job interview where the atmosphere is 'suit and tie' only—stick to Como vai? or Como está? there. Also, don't use it in an emergency. If someone just tripped and fell, asking Como vão as coisas? is going to sound incredibly sarcastic and weirdly philosophical while they’re on the ground. Avoid it when you are in a massive rush and don't actually have time to listen to the answer. If you ask this while walking past someone at 10 miles per hour, you’re setting yourself up for a conversation you can’t finish. It’s a phrase that requires at least 30 seconds of eye contact or a return text.

The most frequent slip-up for learners is the singular/plural mismatch. You might want to say Como vai as coisas? because Como vai? is so burned into your brain, but resist the urge! Another mistake is using it with people you literally just met five seconds ago. It’s a 'follow-up' phrase, not a 'first-meeting' phrase. If you meet someone for the first time and ask Como vão as coisas?, they might wonder 'What things? You don't know my things!'. Also, don't forget the 'as'. Saying Como vão coisas? sounds like a robot trying to learn human emotions. Keep that definite article as in there to keep things natural.

• ✗ Como vai as coisas? → ✓ Como vão as coisas?
• ✗ Como vão coisas? → ✓ Como vão as coisas?
• ✗ Como vai tudo as coisas? → ✓ Como vão as coisas?

Depending on where you are, you might hear Como estão as coisas?. This is slightly more 'static' but means the exact same thing. In Brazil, you’ll often hear Como tá a vida? (How’s life?) which is even more casual. If you’re in a very relaxed setting, someone might say E as correria, como vão? (And the 'hustle', how’s it going?). In Portugal, you might hear a more clipped Como vai isso? (How's that going?). There's also the classic Como vai tudo? which is the singular cousin of our phrase. All of these live in the same neighborhood, but Como vão as coisas? is the most balanced and widely accepted version. It’s the 'Goldilocks' of greetings.

Is it okay for text messages? Absolutely, it’s actually one of the most common ways to start a WhatsApp chat. Can I answer with just 'fine'? You can say Tudo bem, but it’s more natural to say Vão bem or Tudo indo. Is it formal? No, it’s neutral-informal. Should I use it with my teacher? Yes, it’s a very polite way to show you care about their day. Can I use it in a group chat? Yes, it’s a great way to 'ping' the group and see how everyone is doing. Does it work in Portugal? Yes, though they might sometimes prefer Como está a correr tudo?, they will perfectly understand and use Como vão as coisas? as well.