How to Say ‘How are you?’ in Japanese
お元気ですか。
o genki desu ka
[oh gen-kee dess kah]
🇯🇵 In Japan: [お元気ですか。] is a polite, standard way to ask after someone's well-being. It works well with in-laws, especially at the start of a visit or phone call.
Phrase Breakdown
お元気
o genki
Words in this phrase
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
A polite prefix that makes the expression respectful.
お元気ですか。
How are you?
元気
genki
[gen-kee]
well / healthy
Describes someone's health or energy level.
元気なら安心です。
If you are well, I am relieved.
ですか
desu ka
Words in this phrase
です
desu
[dess]
is / am / are
A polite sentence element used before the question marker here.
お元気ですか。
How are you?
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
Turns the polite phrase into a question.
大丈夫ですか。
Are you okay?
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