元気ですか？
Genki desu ka?
The English phrase "how are you doing?" is translated into Japanese as 元気ですか？ (Genki desu ka?)
This phrase is used to ask someone about their general well-being. While it translates to "how are you doing", it is most commonly used when you have not seen someone for a little while, rather than as a daily greeting to a colleague.
What does it mean word for word?
The core word genki literally refers to one's health, spirit or energy.
Which one should you use?
Adding the honorific prefix o to the front to create お元気ですか？ makes the expression more polite and respectful.
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual speech, you can drop the desu ka and simply use a rising intonation on genki to ask how someone is.
How do you pronounce it?
Genki desu ka?
When do people say it?
When someone asks you this, a suitable response is Hai, genki desu. (Yes, I'm fine) or simply Genki desu. (I am well).
Did you know?
- In a business context, Japanese speakers often replace 元気ですか？ with お世話になっております, which translates more closely to 'thank you for your ongoing support'.
- A common response to 元気ですか？ is おかげさまで, which means 'thanks to you' or 'thanks to the gods'. It acknowledges that one's well-being is due to the kindness of others.
- While 元気 describes health or energy, it is also used to describe a child who is 'rambunctious' or 'energetic' in a way that might be tiring for parents.
Examples in context
- 最近、元気ですか？Saikin, genki desu ka?How are you doing lately?
- お元気ですか？O-genki desu ka?Are you doing well?
Example conversation
Two neighbors meeting on the street.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太君、元気ですか？Hinata-kun, genki desu ka?Hinata, how are you doing?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、元気です。Hai, genki desu.Yes, I am doing well.
- 陽葵 Himariそれは良かったです。Sore wa yokatta desu.That is good to hear.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵さんも元気ですか？Himari-san mo genki desu ka?Are you doing well too, Himari?
