元気？
genki?casual
In anime, "how are you" is usually 元気？ (genki?) between friends. The polite form is 元気ですか？ (genki desu ka?). It is also called 調子はどう？ (chōshi wa dō?).
Meaning: asking about someone's well-being (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 元気？ | genki? | casual |
| 元気ですか？ | genki desu ka? | polite |
| 調子はどう？ | chōshi wa dō? | casual |
The word 元気 (genki) means healthy or full of energy. An answer is 元気だよ (genki da yo), "I am fine". 調子はどう？ (chōshi wa dō?) asks how things are going.
When do people say it?
Japanese speakers do not ask this with every hello. It is more common after some time apart.
Did you know?
- The word 元気 (genki) is also used in anime as a name for cheerful characters.
Examples in context
- 元気？Genki?How are you?
- 調子はどう？Chōshi wa dō?How are things?
Example conversation
Kenta bumps into his friend Nana after summer break.
- Kentaナナ、元気？Nana, genki?Nana, how are you?
- Nana元気だよ。ケンタは？Genki da yo. Kenta wa?I am fine. And you, Kenta?
- Kentaうん、元気。Un, genki.Yeah, I am good.
