What it means
“Alright?” works like “Hi, how are you?”. It’s a greeting, and the other person doesn’t usually expect a real answer about your day or your health.
You’ll hear lots of versions: You alright?, Y’alright?, Alright, mate? and, in some parts of the country, Alright, love?
How to reply
Keep it short and friendly. Any of these sound natural:
“Alright?” → “Alright?” (yes, you can just say it back!)
“Alright?” → “Yeah, not bad, you?”
“You alright?” → “Yeah, good thanks. You?”
In a shop
If a shop assistant asks “Are you alright there?”, they mean “Can I help you?”. You can say “I’m just looking, thanks” or ask your question.
When it really is a question
If you trip over, or you look upset, and someone asks “Are you alright?” in a worried voice, they really are checking that you’re OK. Listen to the tone: a quick, cheerful “Alright?” is a greeting; a slower, concerned one is a real question.
Your turn
Have a go, then tap to check your answer.
Your neighbour says “Alright?” as you pass. What’s a natural reply?
“Alright?” or “Yeah, not bad, you?”
A shop assistant asks “Are you alright there?”. What do they mean?
“Can I help you?”
