What does the phrase 'How do you do ?' actually mean? What should be the reply if some one asks this?

Answer 1

It is inaccurate to say that this word "actually" is an inquiry about another's health. That is its ORIGIN, but it is no longer the meaning of the question. In fact, it is not even a true question anymore! Rather, the phrase is now a set expression -- a polite greeting, esp. used with someone you have just been introduced to for the first time. It IS still polite, in that it is meant to imply that you CARE that (or wish that) the person is well. But it is no longer used ANYWHERE I can find as an actual question expecting an answer. . .

In fact, the more colloquial "howdy" which comes directly from this expression is likewise a friendly greeting (though it typically may be spoken to someone you DO know as well) but not a genuine question.

For that matter, many dialects nowadays use more modern forms like "How y' doing?" (big in Philadelphia) are just "How are you?" in the very same way -- though since these are not the sort of "frozen forms" "How do you do?" and "Howdy" have become, they are more likely to cause confusion, esp among those not from the region, or if spoken in a way that SOUNDS too much like a question.

At any rate, the proper way to respond to "How do you do?" is NOT by trying to answer the (unasked!) question. It is simply a similar polite greeting. One might simply repeat "How do you do?" and/OR, since the situation is generally that of being newly introduced, you might say something like "(I'm) pleased to meet you [or 'to make your acquaintance' if you are especially formal]", "I'm so glad you could come", or even simple greetings like "Good evening"

Answer 2

The phrase actually means about the same as "Hi.". The correct answer according to the old protocols of courtesy is "How do you do?".

Example:
J (meeting A): How do you do?
A : How do you do?
.
.
.

In modern days, the phrase has become corrupted and the old, correct answer is getting out of use, being replaced by "Fine thanks, and you?" which is, however, not correct since "How do you do?", in British English, is not to be taken literally.

Answer 3

Grammatically it means "Tell me everything that's right/wrong with your health, your job, your marriage, etc etc etc. However, conversationally, it means much less than this. It's basically just an altternative to "Hi". The appropriate response is something like "Fine, and how's yourself?" If you respond in a grammatically appropriate manner, the asker will probably leave you midway through your first sentence, unless they're a very indulgent friend.

Answer 4

You can answer "How do you do?" or "And yourself?". It is a curious phrase that simply is asking you how you are doing that day. Many cultures have strange greetings like that. In China, when you pass someone on the street, it is common to ask "Have you eaten yet?"

Answer 5

"How do you?" do are words of greeting, much like saying "Hello". The answer would depend upon how close you are to the person asking. If she is someone close, then you could fill her up with the travails and joys of your life. If not , then the standard answer would be :" I am fine, thank you, and you?" .

Answer 6

As a matter of fact, when someone says "How do you do?", he or she is inquiring about the well-being of other individual. The perfect reply for this should also be the same i.e., "How do you do?".

Answer 7

its just a courteous way of greeting and you respond by asking the same question. You need not and should not tell all your problems as they are not really interested. You may also respond by saying "good" (if australian) or "fine" (if english or american).

Answer 8

The correct reply is also "How do you do?". But, these days in this world of everything American, including their irritating, dirty English, people tend to say, "I'm fine, thank you".

Answer 9

I think it means 'How are you?' which means you should answer I am fine, thank you even though you are having the worst time of your life.

Answer 10

it really means how well or bad you are doing thing in present so it should be replied - " I am doing well." OR " I am doing okay." OR " i am not doing so well." ect...