元気です、ありがとう
genki desu, arigatō
In Japanese, "good thanks" is expressed as 元気です、ありがとう (genki desu, arigatō).
This phrase is a polite response used to tell someone that you are doing well after they ask how you are.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 元気 (genki) literally means health, spirit or energy.
Which one should you use?
While 元気です (genki desu) means "I am well", adding ありがとう (arigatō) makes it a complete response to a greeting like "How are you?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more informal version suitable for friends, you can use 元気だよ、ありがとう (genki da yo, arigatō). You may also use どうも (dōmo) as a casual and laid-back way to express gratitude.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 元気です (genki desu) is the standard polite way to state that you are doing well.
How do you pronounce it?
genki desu, arigatō
Did you know?
- In Japan, people rarely ask 元気ですか (genki desu ka) every day. It is often reserved for people you have not seen in a while, rather than as a routine greeting between close colleagues.
- The word 元気 (genki) is composed of two kanji meaning 'origin' and 'spirit'. It describes a state where one's fundamental life energy is flowing properly.
- In a professional setting, instead of just saying they are well, a person might use the phrase おかげさまで (okagesama de), which means 'thanks to you' or 'thanks to the heavens'.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta meet at a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta結衣さん、お元気ですか？Yui-san, o-genki desu ka?Yui, how are you?
- 結衣 Yui元気です、ありがとう。健太さんは？Genki desu, arigato. Kenta-san wa?I'm good, thanks. How about you, Kenta?
- 健太 Kenta私も元気です。Watashi mo genki desu.I'm doing well too.
- 結衣 Yuiそれはよかったですね。Sore wa yokatta desu ne.That's good to hear.
