Are you interested in learning how to greet someone in Japanese using the phrase “What’s up?” Well, you’re in luck! In this guide, we will explore the various ways to say “What’s up?” in Japanese, including both formal and informal expressions. Along the way, we’ll provide you with helpful tips, examples, and even touch on regional variations when necessary. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings or speaking to someone older or of higher social status, it’s essential to use appropriate language. Here are a few ways to ask “What’s up?” formally in Japanese:
1. お元気ですか (O-genki desu ka)
This phrase directly translates to “How are you?” in English. While it’s not an exact translation of “What’s up?” it serves the same purpose in formal settings. It’s a polite way to ask about someone’s well-being.
Example:
Person A: お元気ですか？ (O-genki desu ka?)
Person B: はい、元気です。ありがとうございます。 (Hai, genki desu. Arigatou gozaimasu.)
(Person A: How are you? Person B: I’m fine, thank you.)
2. ご機嫌いかがですか (Go-kigen ikaga desu ka)
This phrase is another formal way to inquire about someone’s well-being. It can be translated loosely as “How are you feeling?” or “How is your mood?”
Example:
Person A: ご機嫌いかがですか？ (Go-kigen ikaga desu ka?)
Person B: はい、ご機嫌です。 (Hai, go-kigen desu.)
(Person A: How are you feeling? Person B: I’m in a good mood.)
Informal Expressions:
In casual settings among friends, family, or colleagues of the same level, you can use more informal expressions to say “What’s up?”. Here are a few common phrases:
1. おっす (Ossu)
This phrase is a shortened form of “おはようございます” (Ohayou gozaimasu) meaning “Good morning.” It’s commonly used among friends and peers to say “What’s up?” in a casual way.
Example:
Person A: おっす、元気？ (Ossu, genki?)
Person B: うん、元気だよ。 (Un, genki da yo.)
(Person A: What’s up? Person B: I’m fine.)
2. 最近どう？ (Saikin dou?)
This expression translates to “How have you been lately?” and is commonly used among friends and acquaintances to catch up and see what’s happening in each other’s lives.
Example:
Person A: 最近どう？ (Saikin dou?)
Person B: なんだか忙しいな。 (Nandaka isogashii na.)
(Person A: What’s up lately? Person B: I’ve been quite busy.)
Regional Variations:
While Japanese is primarily spoken uniformly across Japan, there are regional variations in language. Here’s a brief look at few regional expressions:
1. よお (Yoo)
This informal expression is used in the Kansai region, which includes cities like Osaka and Kyoto, to mean “What’s up?”.
2. 元気か (Genki ka)
This expression is commonly used in the Tohoku region, including cities like Sendai and Aomori. It can be translated as “How are you?” or “What’s up?”
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You have learned various ways to say “What’s up?” in Japanese. When in formal settings, opt for phrases like “お元気ですか” (O-genki desu ka) or “ご機嫌いかがですか” (Go-kigen ikaga desu ka). In informal situations, phrases like “おっす” (Ossu) or “最近どう？” (Saikin dou?) work well. Remember that language use can vary by region, and we explored some examples from the Kansai and Tohoku regions.
Now you have the tools to greet someone in Japanese and start conversations like a pro. So go ahead, practice these phrases, and enjoy your interactions with Japanese speakers. Good luck!
