How to Say ‘How are you?’ in Japanese
元気ですか？
げんきですか？
💬 Usage Tip: The phrase [元気ですか] (gen-ki de-su ka) means 'are you healthy or well?'
🇯🇵 In Japan: Asking about someone's health or well-being is a common courtesy in Japan, similar to 'how are you?' in English.
Phrase Breakdown
元気げんき
healthy; well
Refers to a state of being healthy or energetic.
彼は元気に見える。
He looks healthy.
ですです
is/am/are
A polite form of the verb 'to be'.
これは本です。
This is a book.
か？か？
question particle
Used to turn a statement into a question.
これはあなたのペンですか？
Is this your pen?
Word-by-Word Breakdown
元気げんき
[genki]
good health
Refers to being in good health.
最近、元気ですか？
How have you been lately?
ですです
[desu]
is
A sentence-ending particle indicating politeness.
今日は暑いですね。
It's hot today, isn't it?
かか
[ka]
question particle
Used to form questions.
出かけますか？
Are you going out?
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