How do you say "How about you?" in Japanese?

"How about you?" in Japanese is "そちらはどうですか。". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

👉❓

How to Say ‘How about you?’ in Japanese

Q: What does "そちらはどうですか。" mean in English?

"そちらはどうですか。" means "How about you?" in English. Usage tip: Literally, "How is your side?" It is a polite way to turn the question back to the other person.

そちらはどうですか。

sochira wa dou desu ka

[soh-chee-rah wah doh dess kah]

💬 Usage Tip: Literally, "How is your side?" It is a polite way to turn the question back to the other person.

🇯🇵 In Japan: This is especially useful in polite conversation, phone calls, and speaking with people you do not know well.

Phrase Breakdown

そちら

sochira

[soh-chee-rah]

there; your side; you

Refers politely to the other person's side, place, or situation.

Example

そちらは寒いですか。

Is it cold where you are?

はどうですか

wa dou desu ka

how is it? / how about it?

A polite question pattern used to ask about someone's situation, condition, or opinion.

Example

お仕事はどうですか。

How is your work?

Words in this phrase

は

[wah]

topic marker

Shows that the previous word is the topic; pronounced wa.

Example

天気はいいです。

As for the weather, it is nice.

どう

dou

[doh]

how; what about

Asks about the condition or opinion of something.

Example

気分はどうですか。

How are you feeling?

です

desu

[dess]

is; am; are (polite)

Polite copula commonly used in basic communication.

Example

ここは静かです。

It is quiet here.

か

[kah]

question marker

Turns the sentence into a polite question.

Example

元気ですか。

Are you well?

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Custom Scenarios

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”

Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager