お元気ですか
How are you?
शाब्दिक अर्थ: Is [your] energy/health honorable?
Use this to warmly check in on someone you haven't seen for at least a few weeks.
15 सेकंड में
- Polite way to ask about someone's health and energy.
- Best used for people you haven't seen in a while.
- Not intended for daily use with close roommates or family.
मतलब
This is the classic way to ask someone if they are doing well. It focuses on their health and overall energy level, showing you care about their well-being.
मुख्य उदाहरण
3 / 7Meeting a former teacher after a year
先生、お元気ですか。
Professor, how have you been?
Writing a letter to a grandparent
おじいちゃん、お元気ですか。
Grandpa, are you doing well?
Starting a professional email to a client
〇〇様、お元気ですか。
Dear Mr./Ms. [Name], I hope you are well.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
The word 'Genki' (元気) consists of the characters for 'Origin' and 'Energy.' It reflects the traditional belief that health comes from a balanced flow of life energy. In Japanese culture, maintaining this energy is seen as a personal and social responsibility.
Don't Overuse It!
If you ask a coworker this every morning, they will think you have a very short memory. Use 'Ohayou gozaimasu' (Good morning) instead for daily faces.
The Magic Response
When someone asks you this, start your reply with 'Okagesamade' (Thanks to you). It's a humble way to say you're doing well because of the support of others.
15 सेकंड में
- Polite way to ask about someone's health and energy.
- Best used for people you haven't seen in a while.
- Not intended for daily use with close roommates or family.
What It Means
お元気ですか is the gold standard for 'How are you?' in Japanese. The word 元気 (genki) literally means 'original energy' or 'health.' When you ask this, you are checking if someone's spirit and body are in good shape. It is much deeper than a simple 'hello.' It shows you are thinking about their life since you last spoke. Think of it as a warm, respectful check-in.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase in speech or writing. The お (o) at the beginning adds politeness. The ですか (desu ka) at the end makes it a formal question. When someone asks you, the standard reply is はい、元気です (Yes, I am well). It is polite to add おかげさまで (thanks to you/heaven) before your answer. This keeps the social harmony flowing perfectly.
When To Use It
Use this phrase when you haven't seen someone for a while. A few weeks or months is the perfect gap. It is a staple for opening emails or letters. You might say it to a former teacher or a distant relative. It is also great for a New Year’s card (nengajo). Imagine running into an old coworker at a train station. This is your go-to phrase to restart the conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with people you see every day. It would be very weird to ask your roommate this. They might think you have amnesia! It is not a casual 'What's up?' or 'Yo.' If you use it too often, it sounds stiff and distant. Avoid using it with your best friend in a casual setting. They might think you are being sarcastic or overly formal.
Cultural Background
In Japan, health and social harmony are deeply linked. The concept of Ki (energy) is central to Japanese life. Being genki means your internal energy is in balance. Historically, asking about health was a way to show respect and care. It reflects a culture that values the well-being of the collective. It is a very positive and encouraging expression to hear.
Common Variations
With close friends, you can just say 元気？ (Genki?) with a rising tone. It is short, sweet, and very common. In very formal business settings, you might hear お元気でいらっしゃいますか. This is the 'extra fancy' version. If you are saying goodbye, you can say お元気で (O-genki de). This means 'Take care' or 'Stay well.' It is a lovely way to end a meeting.
इस्तेमाल की जानकारी
This phrase is polite and neutral. Avoid using it as a daily 'hello' to avoid sounding unnatural or distant.
Don't Overuse It!
If you ask a coworker this every morning, they will think you have a very short memory. Use 'Ohayou gozaimasu' (Good morning) instead for daily faces.
The Magic Response
When someone asks you this, start your reply with 'Okagesamade' (Thanks to you). It's a humble way to say you're doing well because of the support of others.
The 'O' Factor
The 'O' at the start is an honorific. Removing it makes the phrase instantly casual. Keeping it shows you respect the other person's status or health.
उदाहरण
7先生、お元気ですか。
Professor, how have you been?
Shows respect and genuine interest in their well-being.
おじいちゃん、お元気ですか。
Grandpa, are you doing well?
A standard, sweet opening for a family letter.
〇〇様、お元気ですか。
Dear Mr./Ms. [Name], I hope you are well.
A polite way to soften the start of business correspondence.
久しぶり！元気？
Long time no see! You good?
The casual version of the phrase for close friends.
もうお元気ですか。
Are you feeling better now?
Adding 'mou' (already/now) focuses on their recovery.
お花さん、お元気ですか？
Mr. Flower, are you doing okay?
A cute, personified way to talk to nature.
皆様お元気ですか。
Is everyone doing well?
Addressing a whole family in a holiday card.
खुद को परखो
Choose the correct polite particle to complete the question.
お元気___か。
The phrase 'O-genki desu ka' uses the polite copula 'desu' before the question marker 'ka'.
How would you ask a close friend 'How are you?' casually?
___？
In casual speech, you drop the 'o', 'desu', and 'ka', simply using 'Genki?' with a rising intonation.
🎉 स्कोर: /2
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Formality Levels of 'How Are You?'
Used with close friends and peers.
元気？ (Genki?)
The standard version for most people.
お元気ですか (O-genki desu ka)
Used for superiors or very formal letters.
お元気でいらっしゃいますか
When to use O-genki desu ka
Emailing a client
Professional greeting
Reunion with a teacher
Respectful check-in
Writing a postcard
Standard opening
Meeting an old neighbor
Friendly catch-up
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालNo, it is generally reserved for people you haven't seen in a while. For daily greetings, use おはよう or こんにちは.
You can say ちょっと風邪をひいています (I have a bit of a cold). However, in most social situations, a simple 元気です is preferred to keep things positive.
Yes, it is polite enough for a boss, especially if you haven't spoken in a few days. For very high-level superiors, use いかがお過ごしですか (How have you been spending your time?).
It combines 元 (origin) and 気 (energy). It refers to your basic life force or health.
Only if you want to be polite. With friends, 元気？ is much more natural and common.
You can say お元気でしたか (O-genki deshita ka) to mean 'Have you been well?' since the last time we met.
Absolutely! It's a very common way to start a text to someone you haven't messaged in a month.
It literally means 'under your shadow.' It's a humble way to acknowledge that your well-being is thanks to the support of those around you.
Yes, in Japanese, the subject 'you' is usually omitted because it is implied by the context and the honorific お.
お元気ですか specifically asks about health/spirit, while いかがですか is a more general 'How is it?' or 'How are things?'
संबंधित मुहावरे
久しぶり
Long time no see
お大事に
Get well soon / Take care
いかがですか
How are things? (More formal)
変わりないですか
Anything new? / Is everything the same?
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