お元気でお過ごしでしょうか
ogenki de osugoshi deshou ka
The English phrase "hope you are well" is expressed in Japanese as お元気でお過ごしでしょうか (ogenki de osugoshi deshou ka).
This phrase is used as a standard opening in formal letters or business emails to establish a polite tone before addressing the main subject. It serves as a way to wish the recipient good health and happiness.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of お元気 (health/vigor), で (in/with) and お過ごしでしょうか (are you spending time/passing time?).
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending deshou ka functions as a polite, conjectural question, making the inquiry sound softer and less intrusive than a direct question.
How do you pronounce it?
ogenki de osugoshi deshou ka
Did you know?
- Depending on the season, a Japanese writer might replace 'hope you are well' with a phrase about the weather, such as 'the heat is intense' or 'the autumn wind is cool'.
- The word 元気 (genki), which forms the basis of the phrase, literally translates to 'original energy' or 'base spirit'.
- In Japanese business culture, skipping this kind of seasonal or health-related opening can make an email feel uncomfortably blunt or even rude.
Examples in context
- お元気でお過ごしでしょうか。Ogenki de osugoshi deshou ka.I hope you are well.
- 皆様、お元気でお過ごしでしょうか。Minasama, ogenki de osugoshi deshou ka.I hope you are all doing well.
- お元気でお過ごしでしょうか。季節の変わり目ですので、ご自愛ください。Ogenki de osugoshi deshou ka. Kisetsu no kawarime desu node, gojiai kudasai.I hope you are well. Please take care of yourself during this change of seasons.
Example conversation
Hiroto sends a polite email to Misaki to reconnect after a long time.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲さん、お元気でお過ごしでしょうか。Misaki-san, ogenki de osugoshi deshou ka.Misaki, I hope you are well.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔さん、ご連絡ありがとうございます。私はとても元気です。Hiroto-san, gorenraku arigatou gozaimasu. Watashi wa totemo genki desu.Hiroto, thank you for reaching out. I am doing very well.
- 大翔 Hirotoそれは良かったです。最近はいかがですか？Sore wa yokatta desu. Saikin wa ikaga desu ka?That is good to hear. How have you been lately?
- 美咲 Misaki仕事が忙しいですが、楽しく過ごしています。Shigoto ga isogashii desu ga, tanoshiku sugoshite imasu.I am busy with work, but I am enjoying myself.
