How are they?

Hello everybody.
Can you help me, please?
Today I was speaking with my British friend about how I met my Italian friend. And he suddenly asked me: How are they?
I haven't understood it, and he said it's too advanced, so please, can you explain me, what it means?
Thank you :)

In your context, "How are they?" may be asking "What are they (Italian people) like?'

Here's an example.

Mary and I went to the Grill last night and had hamburgers.
How are they? (What are the hamburgers like? What is your judgement of them?)

I don't think so, we weren't talking about more than the only one Italian guy. :/ And your explanation doesn't sit there :( But thank you though :)

Then it makes no sense. Why would your friend use the word "they" if you were talking about one person?

Are you sure you heard it correctly?

For sure, it was written :)
And I have no idea, that's why I'm asking :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ScarlettBegoni

For sure, it was written :)
And I have no idea, that's why I'm asking :(

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But you said you were speaking to your friend. So, you have the written words "How are they?" about one person?
The only sensible explanation (apart from mistakes/misunderstandings) is that you didn't tell your British friend what sex your Italian friend was, and your British friend used the singular 'they' in place of 'he' or 'she'.