あなたは？
anata wa?
The English phrase "how about you?" is translated into Japanese as あなたは？ (anata wa?)
This phrase is used to ask for someone's opinion or situation after you have shared your own.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase あなたは？ literally translates to "as for you?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can use the more formal version Anata wa dou desu ka? in formal settings. Additionally, it is more polite and natural in Japanese to use a person's name followed by the honorific -san (for example, 〇〇さんは？) instead of using the word anata (you).
How do you pronounce it?
anata wa?
Did you know?
- While anata means 'you', it is often used by wives when addressing their husbands as a term of endearment similar to 'dear' or 'honey'.
- The word あなた was historically used as a very polite way to refer to someone without using their name, but over centuries it shifted toward the more direct and potentially cold usage seen today.
- In some contexts, using anata in a question can sound like an interrogation or an accusation, making the speaker seem like a police officer or a stern parent.
Examples in context
- 私はコーヒーにしましたが、あなたは？Watashi wa koohii ni shimashita ga, anata wa?I'll have coffee, but how about you?
- 私は明日暇ですが、あなたは？Watashi wa ashita hima desu ga, anata wa?I am free tomorrow, but how about you?
- 私は行けます。あなたは？Watashi wa ikemasu. Anata wa?I can go. How about you?
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are talking about their weekend plans.
- 結衣 Yui私は映画に行きます。あなたは？Watashi wa eiga ni ikimasu. Anata wa?I'm going to a movie. How about you?
- 大翔 Hiroto僕は家でゆっくりします。Boku wa ie de yukkuri shimasu.I'm going to relax at home.
- 結衣 Yuiいいですね。Ii desu ne.That sounds nice.
- 大翔 Hiroto映画楽しんできてね。Eiga tanoshinde kite ne.Enjoy the movie.
