01 · Conversation
“You alright?”
Greeting or genuine question?
Mary's model recording
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Meaning
Literally: “Are you OK?”
What it can imply
Often it simply means “Hello”. A short reply like “Yeah, you?” is enough.
But sometimes, with a more concerned tone or after something happens, it really is a question about how you feel.
Context and register
Very common in informal speech, especially between colleagues, friends and in shops. It is used more in some regions of England (typically the southeast) than others. Look at the situation and the tone, not only the words.
In conversation
Passing in the office
Sam:Morning! You alright?
Ana:Yeah, good thanks. You?
Sam:Not bad.
After a small accident
Jo:Oh no — you alright? That looked painful.
Ana:I'm fine, just a bit embarrassed!
Would I use this?
You can, with people you know. But if it feels unnatural for you, “Hi, how are you?” is perfectly fine. Don't worry if you’ve ever answered this as a real question in the past — people will understand.
Your practice
Record yourself saying the phrase, then listen back and compare with Mary's model. Your recording stays on this device only — it is not uploaded, saved or analysed.