explain the differences in meaning between the questions ¿Cómo está Raúl? and ¿Cómo es Raúl?

1 answer

The questions "¿Cómo está Raúl?" and "¿Cómo es Raúl?" differ in their focus and implications regarding Raúl's state and characteristics in Spanish.

  1. ¿Cómo está Raúl?

    • This question translates to "How is Raúl?"
    • It refers to Raúl's current state, condition, or feelings. The emphasis is on his short-term emotional or physical status. For example, you might use this question if you're inquiring about whether Raúl is feeling happy, sad, sick, or stressed at that moment.
  2. ¿Cómo es Raúl?

    • This question translates to "What is Raúl like?"
    • It refers to Raúl's general characteristics, personality traits, or habitual behavior. The focus here is on his overall nature or long-term qualities such as being friendly, hard-working, introverted, or extroverted. This question seeks to understand who Raúl is as a person more broadly, rather than how he feels at a specific moment.

In summary, "¿Cómo está Raúl?" is about his current condition, while "¿Cómo es Raúl?" pertains to his permanent or typical attributes.