How to Say ‘What's up?’ in Japanese
どうしたの？
dou shi ta n
[doh shee tah noh]
🇯🇵 In Japan: The boss answers in casual speech while you stay polite. That mismatch is normal in Japanese offices, so don't copy their casual tone back.
Phrase Breakdown
どう
dou
[doh]
how; what
Used to ask what should be done.
どうすればいいですか。
What should I do?
し
shi
[shee]
do (stem)
Verb stem used as part of the fixed polite request phrase.
注文をお願いし、ます。
I would like to place the order, please.
た
ta
[tah]
past tense ending
This ending completes the polite past tense form.
空席がございまし た。
There were vacant seats.
の
n
[noh]
explanatory question particle
の at the end makes the question sound explanatory and casual.
そうなの？今知りました。
Really? I just found out now.
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