adverb

how

Translation

in what way, to what extent, in what condition

How do you spell your name?

How are you today?

How old is your brother?

How nice of you to come!

how + auxiliary verb + subject + ...? to ask about manner How do you cook rice?

how + adjective/adverb + ...? to ask about degree How tall are you?

how about + -ing/noun? to make a suggestion How about going to the movies?

how + ...! to make an exclamation How beautiful!

Synonyms: in what way, by what means

From Old English 'hū', related to 'who' and 'what'.

It's the one question word that doesn't start with 'wh'. It asks about the manner, condition, or degree of something.