お元気でお過ごしのことと存じます
ogenki de osugoshi no koto to zonjimasu
The English phrase "I hope you are doing well" is translated into Japanese as お元気でお過ごしのことと存じます (ogenki de osugoshi no koto to zonjimasu).
お元気でお過ごしのことと存じます is a polite opening phrase used in formal letters or emails to express a wish for the recipient's well-being. It is used almost exclusively as a formal opening in letters or business emails, rather than as a spoken greeting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the humble verb 存じます to lower the speaker's status, which is a requirement for high-level formal Japanese etiquette.
How do you pronounce it?
ogenki de osugoshi no koto to zonjimasu
Did you know?
- In Japanese business culture, many formal letters begin with a seasonal greeting about the weather before even addressing the recipient's well-being. Using this phrase without first acknowledging the current season might feel abrupt or incomplete in a traditional letter.
- The word 元気 (genki) in this phrase contains the character for 'source' or 'origin' (元) and 'energy' or 'spirit' (気). In a way, you are wishing that the recipient's 'source of energy' remains intact.
- If you were to use this phrase in a text message (LINE) to a colleague, it would likely be seen as a joke or a sign that you are being sarcastic. It is far too heavy and formal for the instant, casual nature of modern digital messaging.
Examples in context
- 皆様、お元気でお過ごしのことと存じます。Minasama, ogenki de osugoshi no koto to zonjimasu.I hope everyone is doing well.
- 先生におかれましては、お元気でお過ごしのことと存じます。Sensei ni okaremashite wa, ogenki de osugoshi no koto to zonjimasu.I hope you are doing well, Professor.
- ご家族の皆様もお元気でお過ごしのことと存じます。Gokazoku no minasama mo ogenki de osugoshi no koto to zonjimasu.I hope your family members are also doing well.
Example conversation
Hinata is writing a formal email to her former mentor, Hiroto.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔様、お元気でお過ごしのことと存じます。Hiroto-sama, ogenki de osugoshi no koto to zonjimasu.Dear Hiroto, I hope you are doing well.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さん、ご連絡ありがとうございます。Hinata-san, gorenraku arigatou gozaimasu.Hinata, thank you for contacting me.
- 大翔 Hiroto私はとても元気にしています。Watashi wa totemo genki ni shite imasu.I am doing very well.
- 陽葵 Himariそれは何よりです。Sore wa naniyori desu.I am very happy to hear that.
