今日はどうですか？
kyō wa dō desu ka?
The English phrase "how is your day going?" is expressed in Japanese as 今日はどうですか？ (kyō wa dō desu ka?)
This phrase is used to ask someone how their day has been so far.
What does it mean word for word?
The word どう (dō) means "how".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can make the phrase informal and suitable for friends or family by dropping the desu ka and using only 今日はどう？
How do you pronounce it?
kyō wa dō desu ka?
Did you know?
- While 今日はどうですか？ asks about the day, Japanese speakers frequently use お疲れ様です (otsukaresama desu) to acknowledge someone's hard work as a substitute for asking how their day is going.
- While English speakers use this to start a conversation, Japanese speakers often prefer starting with the weather, as asking about someone's personal day can feel slightly intrusive if you are not close.
- In Japan, asking 今日はどうですか？ to a stranger or a shopkeeper might actually sound like you are asking for their opinion on the concept of 'today' rather than a polite greeting.
Examples in context
- 仕事の方は、今日はどうですか？Shigoto no hō wa, kyō wa dō desu ka?How is work going today?
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta meet for lunch at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さん、今日はどうですか？Kenta-san, kyō wa dō desu ka?Kenta, how is your day going?
- 健太 Kentaまあまあです。少し忙しいです。Mā mā desu. Sukoshi isogashii desu.It's so-so. I'm a little busy.
- 美咲 Misakiそうですか。お疲れ様です。Sō desu ka. Otsukaresama desu.I see. Good job hanging in there.
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます。Arigatō gozaimasu.Thank you.
