元気です、ありがとうございます
genki desu, arigatou gozaimasu
The Japanese phrase for "I am fine, thank you" is 元気です、ありがとうございます (genki desu, arigatou gozaimasu).
This phrase is used as a polite response to tell someone that you are doing well after they ask how you are. In Japanese, it is common to omit the subject watashi (I) when the context makes it clear you are talking about yourself.
What does it mean word for word?
The word genki literally refers to one's spirit, energy or health.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase 元気です、ありがとうございます is a polite way to respond to a greeting such as O-genki desu ka? (How are you?).
How do you pronounce it?
genki desu, arigatou gozaimasu
Did you know?
- The phrase arigatou is derived from a word meaning 'it is difficult to be', reflecting an ancient view that the act of someone doing something for you was a rare and precious occurrence.
- In Japan, replying genki desu to o-genki desu ka? is often reserved for people you have not seen in a long time. For daily greetings among colleagues or friends, Japanese speakers typically use different phrases to acknowledge the day.
- When responding to 'O-genki desu ka?', a common polite way to deflect the attention back to the speaker is to say 'Okagesama de' before your response, which means 'thanks to you/the gods'.
Examples in context
- はい、元気です、ありがとうございます。Hai, genki desu, arigatou gozaimasu.Yes, I am fine, thank you.
- おかげさまで、元気です、ありがとうございます。Okagesama de, genki desu, arigatou gozaimasu.Thanks to you, I am fine, thank you.
- 元気です、ありがとうございます。お元気ですか？Genki desu, arigatou gozaimasu. Ogenki desu ka?I am fine, thank you. How are you?
Example conversation
A polite greeting between two acquaintances in a hallway.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔さん、お元気ですか？Hiroto-san, ogenki desu ka?Hiroto, how are you?
- 大翔 Hiroto元気です、ありがとうございます。Genki desu, arigatou gozaimasu.I am fine, thank you.
- 陽葵 Himariそれは良かったです。Sore wa yokatta desu.That is good to hear.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さんも元気ですか？Himari-san mo genki desu ka?Are you doing well too, Himari?
