HBU is a Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang word meaning ““How ‘bout you?”, used to return a question casually.”. Here’s the full HBU meaning explained, with examples, origin, and how to say it in 10+ languages.
What is HBU? HBU Meaning Explained
“How ‘bout you?”, used to return a question casually.

HBU stands for “how ‘bout you?” It’s the go-to response after someone asks how you’re doing, what you’re up to, or how you feel. Common in DMs, Snap, or texts. It keeps convos going by flipping the question back without writing a whole sentence.
HBU is one of Gen Z’s classic auto-replies. It’s efficient, friendly, and lets you flip a convo fast. Whether someone says “hru,” “wyd,” or “how’s your day,” the reply is usually “good, hbu?”
HBU — Slang Examples in Sentences
“I’m off today, hbu?”
Sentence | Translation / Context |
---|
“Good, hbu?” | Used to keep the convo going. |
“Not bad, just chillin. Hbu?” | Responds to casual questions. |
“I’m off today, hbu?” | Common in Snap, text, DMs. |
“She asked how I was and I hit her with hbu lol.” | Typically paired with “hru.” |
“Doing fine, hbu tho?” | Short, smooth, and friendly. |
You’ll see it everywhere from friend chats to situationships. It softens the vibe, keeps things flowing, and feels more thoughtful than just ending the convo.
Where Did “HBU” Come From? HBU Origin
HBU began wide-spread usage in the early 2010s

HBU showed up in texting slang early on and stuck. It became part of every texting combo from AIM to Snapchat and is still going strong on TikTok and Insta.
HBU in Every Language
Learn how to say (or at least explain) HBU in 9+ languages! Jump to a section from the table above to read about HBU in every language.
HBU意味|HBUとは? 🇯🇵
「元気?」と聞かれて「元気だよ、HBU?」みたいに使う。
HBU(エイチビー ユー)は「あなたは?」って意味で、会話を続ける時に使う略語。
HBU의미|HBU이란? 🇰🇷
상대방이 묻고 나면 “나도 괜찮아, HBU?”라고 답해요.
HBU(에이치비유)는 “how ‘bout you?”의 줄임말로, 대화 이어갈 때 자주 써요.
HBU意思|HBU是什么? 🇨🇳
HBU 常用于回答别人提问时,让对话继续。
HBU 是 “how ‘bout you?” 的缩写,用来反问“你呢?”
HBU Bedeutung|Was Bedeutet HBU? 🇩🇪
Verwendet um die Frage zurückzugeben.
HBU steht für “how ‘bout you?” und heißt so viel wie “und du?”
HBU Significado|¿Qué Significa HBU? 🇪🇸
Se responde después de un “¿cómo estás?”
HBU significa “how ‘bout you?” y se usa para decir “¿y tú?”
HBU Significato|Che Cosa Vuol Dire HBU? 🇮🇹
Si usa dopo domande tipo “come va?”
HBU è l’abbreviazione di “how ‘bout you?”, usata per dire “e tu?”
HBU Signification|C’est Quoi HBU? 🇫🇷
C’est une réponse fréquente après “ça va ?”
HBU est l’abréviation de “how ‘bout you?”, utilisée pour répondre “et toi ?”
HBU значение|Что такое HBU? 🇷🇺
Отвечают так после “как ты?” или “чё делаешь?”
HBU, это сокращение от “how ‘bout you?”, переводится как “а ты?”.
HBU ما معنى|المعنى HBU؟ 🇸🇦
يستخدم بعد ما يسألك أحد “كيفك؟” فتقول “تمام، HBU؟”
HBU هو اختصار لـ “how ‘bout you?” ويعني “وإنت؟”
HBU Overview

HBU is casual but polite. It’s how Gen Z keeps digital convos from dying in the middle of the vibe.
That’s the full slang guide for HBU, straight from the Skibidi DB!
Sasha | Gen Z Reporter

Hi, I’m Sasha, a Gen Z reporter and content goblin here at Skibidi Times.
I’m 19 with Italian roots (yes, I’m fluent in both Italian and Italian Brainrot 🇮🇹💅) and I love covering everything from TikTok trends to Gen Alpha drama.
When I’m not online scrolling way too deep, you’ll catch me with Froyo in one hand and a fresh nail set on the other — I’m a certified nail art addict and self-taught specialist in all things cute ✨💅🍦.