Learning to express common phrases and engage in casual conversations is an essential part of studying a new language. In Japanese, the phrase “What about you?” is commonly used to inquire about someone else’s opinion, situation, or preference. This guide will provide you with various ways to express this phrase in both formal and informal settings, allowing you to master this essential expression in Japanese conversations.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When engaging in formal situations such as business meetings, interviews, or when speaking to someone of higher social status, it is important to use appropriate language. Here are two formal expressions of “What about you?” in Japanese:
1. お[名前/なまえ]はいかがですか？ (O-[Namae/Namae] wa ikaga desu ka?)
This expression is often used when meeting someone for the first time or in formal situations where you want to show respect. Here, “[名前/なまえ]” means “name.” By asking “お名前はいかがですか？,” which translates to “How about your name?” you indirectly inquire about the other person’s well-being while maintaining a polite tone.
2. お元気ですか？ (O-genki desu ka?)
This phrase is used to ask someone if they are doing well. It shows genuine concern for the other person’s health and general condition. Translating to “Are you well?” or “How are you?”, it conveys a polite yet caring tone. Remember to use the respectful prefix “お” (O-) when addressing someone.
Informal Expressions
In casual conversations with friends, colleagues, or people of similar social status, you can opt for informal expressions. Here are a couple of informal ways to say “What about you?” in Japanese:
1. あなたは？ (Anata wa?)
This expression is commonly used in everyday conversations among friends. It is a simple and direct way to ask “What about you?” without being overly formal. However, note that directly addressing someone as “あなた” (anata), which means “you,” may not always be appropriate in certain contexts, so be cautious while using this expression.
2. 君はどう？ (Kimi wa dou?)
Another informal way to inquire about someone else is by using the phrase “君はどう?” (Kimi wa dou?), which can translate to “How about you?” or “What about you?”. It showcases a friendly and familiar tone and is commonly used among peers or people of similar age groups. However, just like “あなた” (anata), “君” (kimi) should be used with care, as it can be seen as too direct or informal in some situations.
Example Conversations
To help you understand how to use these expressions in real-life conversations, let’s take a look at a few examples:
Example 1:
A: お元気ですか？ (O-genki desu ka?)
B: はい、元気です。お名前はいかが
ですか？ (Hai, genki desu. O-namae wa ikaga desu ka?)A: “Are you well?”
B: “Yes, I’m fine. How about your name?”
Example 2:
A: 君はどう？ (Kimi wa dou?)
B: まあまあだよ。あなたは？ (Maa maa da yo. Anata wa?)A: “What about you?” or “How about you?”
B: “I’m okay. What about you?”
Additional Tips
– Remember to always show respect when interacting with someone you don’t know well or who holds a higher social status by using formal expressions.
– In informal conversations, it’s common to omit the subject pronouns like “あなた” (anata) or “君” (kimi) to sound more natural.
– It’s important to consider the context and relationship with the person you’re speaking to when choosing between formal or informal expressions.
– As language usage may slightly vary depending on the region in Japan, the phrases provided here are generally applicable. However, pay attention to dialectal differences if you’re specifically interested in a particular region.
Conclusion
Mastering the phrase “What about you?” in Japanese is a valuable asset when engaging in conversations with native speakers. This guide has equipped you with formal and informal expressions, along with example conversations and additional tips to enhance your communication skills. Remember to employ the appropriate expression based on the formality level and context of the conversation. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be confidently using this phrase in various Japanese social settings!
