How are they?

[ScarlettBegoni]

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 :)

[susiedq]

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?)

[ScarlettBegoni]

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 :)

[susiedq]

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?

[ScarlettBegoni]

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

[Raymott]

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

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'.