[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-article-local-how-are-you-in-japanese":3,"$fHZsWYl_LcdVZ5GxKwtR-ZqvCZbbUdo2_Fi6R_GQKiQM":4,"blog-article-cms-how-are-you-in-japanese":6,"article-hreflang-how-are-you-in-japanese":971,"blog-article-related-how-are-you-in-japanese":972},null,{"approximate_member_count":5},20275,{"id":7,"documentId":8,"title":9,"description":10,"timestampUnix":11,"slug":12,"h1":13,"image":14,"tags":20,"lang":3,"body":25,"createdAt":965,"updatedAt":966,"publishedAt":967,"category":968,"featured":969,"timestamp":970,"locale":-1,"_dir":968},1608,"bsksuylblq1wiangnrhzpj7v","How Are You in Japanese: Formal, Casual & Everything Between","Learn how to ask \"how are you\" in Japanese with formal phrases like ogenki desu ka, casual versions like genki, plus cultural tips for every situation.","1765833600000","how-are-you-in-japanese","How Are You in Japanese: Formal and Informal Ways for Greetings",{"alt":15,"src":16,"width":17,"height":18,"previewOnly":19},"How Are You in Japanese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_01_03_073218_ec9652d0e9\u002FScreenshot_2026_01_03_073218_ec9652d0e9.png",903,648,false,[21,22,23,24],"fundamentals","vocabulary","phrases","grammar",{"data":26,"body":29,"toc":941},{"title":27,"description":28},"","How to ask \"how are you\" when learning Japanese? Good news: there are actually tons of ways to say it, and which one you use depends entirely on who you're talking to and where you are. You've got formal versions for your boss, casual versions for your friends, and everything in between. I'm going to walk you through all the main ways to ask how someone's doing in Japanese, when to use each one, and how to respond when someone asks you. By the end, you'll know exactly which phrase to pull out in any situation.",{"type":30,"children":31},"root",[32,51,55,59,66,79,84,89,94,101,112,123,134,145,148,154,159,165,176,181,186,192,203,214,220,231,236,239,245,250,256,267,272,278,288,293,299,310,326,329,335,340,357,374,379,382,388,393,516,519,525,530,535,540,545,550,553,559,564,600,633,668,688,708,711,717,722,804,809,817,823,826,832,857,860,882,885,906,909,915,920,936],{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":35,"children":36},"element","p",{},[37,40,49],{"type":38,"value":39},"text","How to ask \"how are you\" when ",{"type":33,"tag":41,"props":42,"children":46},"a",{"href":43,"rel":44},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku.com\u002Flearn-japanese",[45],"nofollow",[47],{"type":38,"value":48},"learning Japanese",{"type":38,"value":50},"? Good news: there are actually tons of ways to say it, and which one you use depends entirely on who you're talking to and where you are. You've got formal versions for your boss, casual versions for your friends, and everything in between. I'm going to walk you through all the main ways to ask how someone's doing in Japanese, when to use each one, and how to respond when someone asks you. By the end, you'll know exactly which phrase to pull out in any situation.",{"type":33,"tag":52,"props":53,"children":54},"toc",{},[],{"type":33,"tag":56,"props":57,"children":58},"hr",{},[],{"type":33,"tag":60,"props":61,"children":63},"h2",{"id":62},"the-most-common-way-genki-desu-ka",[64],{"type":38,"value":65},"The most common way: Genki desu ka",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":67,"children":68},{},[69,71,77],{"type":38,"value":70},"Let's start with the phrase most Japanese learners encounter first: ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":73,"children":76},"typo",{"lang":74,"syntax":75},"ja","元気[げんき;a] です[;a] か",[],{"type":38,"value":78},"？",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":80,"children":81},{},[82],{"type":38,"value":83},"This translates pretty directly to \"how are you\" or more literally \"are you well?\" The word \"genki\" means energetic, healthy, or doing well. \"Desu\" is a polite copula (basically a linking verb), and \"ka\" makes it a question.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":85,"children":86},{},[87],{"type":38,"value":88},"You'd spell it in romaji as \"genki desu ka\" and it sounds like \"gen-kee dess kah.\"",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":90,"children":91},{},[92],{"type":38,"value":93},"This phrase sits right in the middle of the politeness spectrum. You can use it with coworkers, acquaintances, people you meet for the first time, or really anyone you want to be polite but not super formal with. Think of it as your default \"how are you\" for everyday situations in Japan.",{"type":33,"tag":95,"props":96,"children":98},"h3",{"id":97},"how-to-respond-to-genki-desu-ka",[99],{"type":38,"value":100},"How to respond to genki desu ka",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":102,"children":103},{},[104,106,110],{"type":38,"value":105},"The standard response is ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":107,"children":109},{"lang":74,"syntax":108},"元気[げんき;a] です[;a]",[],{"type":38,"value":111},", which means \"I'm fine\" or \"I'm doing well.\" Just drop the \"ka\" from the question and you've got your answer. Pretty straightforward.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":113,"children":114},{},[115,117,121],{"type":38,"value":116},"If you want to be more enthusiastic, you can say ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":118,"children":120},{"lang":74,"syntax":119},"元気[げんき;a] です[;a]{、}ありがとう[;n2] ござい[,ござい;n2]ます",[],{"type":38,"value":122},", adding \"thank you\" at the end. This sounds polite and friendly.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":124,"children":125},{},[126,128,132],{"type":38,"value":127},"When you're honestly doing great, try ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":129,"children":131},{"lang":74,"syntax":130},"とても[;h] 元気[げんき;a] です[;a]",[],{"type":38,"value":133},", which means \"I'm very well.\" The word \"totemo\" means \"very\" or \"really.\"",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":135,"children":136},{},[137,139,143],{"type":38,"value":138},"And if you're having a rough day? ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":140,"children":142},{"lang":74,"syntax":141},"まあ[;a] まあ[;a] です[;a]",[],{"type":38,"value":144}," means \"so-so\" or \"I'm alright, I guess.\" Japanese people actually use this one a lot because the culture tends to favor modest responses over super enthusiastic ones.",{"type":33,"tag":56,"props":146,"children":147},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":60,"props":149,"children":151},{"id":150},"formal-ways-to-ask-how-are-you",[152],{"type":38,"value":153},"Formal ways to ask how are you",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":155,"children":156},{},[157],{"type":38,"value":158},"When you need to step up the politeness level, Japanese has you covered. These phrases work great in professional settings, with people significantly older than you, or in any situation where you want to show extra respect.",{"type":33,"tag":95,"props":160,"children":162},{"id":161},"ogenki-desu-ka",[163],{"type":38,"value":164},"Ogenki desu ka",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":166,"children":167},{},[168,170,174],{"type":38,"value":169},"The expression ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":171,"children":173},{"lang":74,"syntax":172},"お 元気[げんき;a] です[;a] か",[],{"type":38,"value":175}," adds the honorific prefix \"o\" to \"genki.\" This small addition bumps up the respect level considerably.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":177,"children":178},{},[179],{"type":38,"value":180},"You'd use this with clients, your boss, your friend's parents, or anyone you want to show particular respect to. The \"o\" prefix is one of those Japanese politeness markers that makes a huge difference in how your words come across.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":182,"children":183},{},[184],{"type":38,"value":185},"The pronunciation is \"oh-gen-kee dess kah\" and the romaji spelling is straightforward: ogenki desu ka.",{"type":33,"tag":95,"props":187,"children":189},{"id":188},"ikaga-desu-ka",[190],{"type":38,"value":191},"Ikaga desu ka",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":193,"children":194},{},[195,197,201],{"type":38,"value":196},"The question ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":198,"children":200},{"lang":74,"syntax":199},"いかが[;n2] です[;a] か",[],{"type":38,"value":202}," means something like \"how is it?\" or \"how are things?\" This one's pretty formal and works well in business settings.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":204,"children":205},{},[206,208,212],{"type":38,"value":207},"You might hear this in customer service situations too. A hotel staff member might ask ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":209,"children":211},{"lang":74,"syntax":210},"ご 滞在[たいざい;h] は いかが[;n2] です[;a] か",[],{"type":38,"value":213},", meaning \"how is your stay?\"",{"type":33,"tag":95,"props":215,"children":217},{"id":216},"ogenki-deshita-ka",[218],{"type":38,"value":219},"Ogenki deshita ka",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":221,"children":222},{},[223,225,229],{"type":38,"value":224},"The sentence ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":226,"children":228},{"lang":74,"syntax":227},"お 元気[げんき;a] でし[,でし;a]た か",[],{"type":38,"value":230}," uses the past tense form \"deshita\" instead of \"desu.\" This translates to \"have you been well?\" and works perfectly when you haven't seen someone in a while.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":232,"children":233},{},[234],{"type":38,"value":235},"Use this when reconnecting with a former colleague, running into an old acquaintance, or greeting someone you haven't talked to in months or years. It acknowledges the time gap naturally.",{"type":33,"tag":56,"props":237,"children":238},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":60,"props":240,"children":242},{"id":241},"casual-ways-to-ask-how-are-you",[243],{"type":38,"value":244},"Casual ways to ask how are you",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":246,"children":247},{},[248],{"type":38,"value":249},"With friends, family, and people close to your age, you can drop the formality and use these more relaxed phrases.",{"type":33,"tag":95,"props":251,"children":253},{"id":252},"just-genki",[254],{"type":38,"value":255},"Just genki?",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":257,"children":258},{},[259,261,265],{"type":38,"value":260},"The simplest casual version is just ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":262,"children":264},{"lang":74,"syntax":263},"元気[げんき;a]",[],{"type":38,"value":266},"？ with rising intonation. You literally just say the word \"genki\" as a question.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":268,"children":269},{},[270],{"type":38,"value":271},"This works perfectly with friends, siblings, classmates, or anyone you're on casual terms with. It's quick, easy, and sounds natural.",{"type":33,"tag":95,"props":273,"children":275},{"id":274},"genki-shiteru",[276],{"type":38,"value":277},"Genki shiteru?",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":279,"children":280},{},[281,282,286],{"type":38,"value":196},{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":283,"children":285},{"lang":74,"syntax":284},"元気[げんき;a] し[,する;h]てる",[],{"type":38,"value":287},"？ means something like \"are you doing well?\" or \"have you been good?\" The \"shiteru\" part comes from the verb \"suru\" (To do) in a casual present progressive form.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":289,"children":290},{},[291],{"type":38,"value":292},"This phrase feels a bit warmer and more personal than just \"genki?\" You'd use it with friends you actually care about and want to catch up with.",{"type":33,"tag":95,"props":294,"children":296},{"id":295},"daijobu",[297],{"type":38,"value":298},"Daijobu?",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":300,"children":301},{},[302,304,308],{"type":38,"value":303},"The short phrase ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":305,"children":307},{"lang":74,"syntax":306},"大丈夫[だいじょうぶ;n3]",[],{"type":38,"value":309},"？ technically means \"are you okay?\" rather than \"how are you,\" but Japanese people use it in similar situations.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":311,"children":312},{},[313,315,318,320,324],{"type":38,"value":314},"If your friend looks tired, stressed, or upset, \"daijobu?\" shows concern. It's like asking \"you good?\" in English. The response can be ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":316,"children":317},{"lang":74,"syntax":306},[],{"type":38,"value":319}," for \"I'm okay\" or ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":321,"children":323},{"lang":74,"syntax":322},"大丈夫[だいじょうぶ;n3] じゃ[,じゃ;h]ない",[],{"type":38,"value":325}," for \"I'm not okay.\"",{"type":33,"tag":56,"props":327,"children":328},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":60,"props":330,"children":332},{"id":331},"what-about-hello-how-are-you-in-japanese",[333],{"type":38,"value":334},"What about hello, how are you in Japanese?",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":336,"children":337},{},[338],{"type":38,"value":339},"In English, we often combine our greeting with \"how are you\" in one breath: \"Hey, how are you doing?\" Japanese works similarly.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":341,"children":342},{},[343,345,349,351,355],{"type":38,"value":344},"The standard hello in Japanese is ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":346,"children":348},{"lang":74,"syntax":347},"こんにちは[;o]",[],{"type":38,"value":350},", which you'd use during the daytime. So \"hello, how are you\" becomes ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":352,"children":354},{"lang":74,"syntax":353},"こんにちは[;o]{、}元気[げんき;a] です[;a] か",[],{"type":38,"value":356},".",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":358,"children":359},{},[360,362,366,368,372],{"type":38,"value":361},"You can also use ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":363,"children":365},{"lang":74,"syntax":364},"おはよう[;h] ござい[,ござい;n2]ます",[],{"type":38,"value":367}," for \"good morning\" followed by your chosen \"how are you\" phrase. In casual situations with friends, ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":369,"children":371},{"lang":74,"syntax":370},"おはよう[;h]{、}元気[げんき;a]",[],{"type":38,"value":373},"？ works great.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":375,"children":376},{},[377],{"type":38,"value":378},"The key thing to understand: Japanese people don't actually ask \"how are you\" as automatically as English speakers do. In Japan, you might just say konnichiwa and leave it at that, especially with strangers or in passing. The \"how are you\" question comes up more when you're having an actual conversation or haven't seen someone in a while.",{"type":33,"tag":56,"props":380,"children":381},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":60,"props":383,"children":385},{"id":384},"other-useful-phrases-and-variations",[386],{"type":38,"value":387},"Other useful phrases and variations",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":389,"children":390},{},[391],{"type":38,"value":392},"Japanese has tons of other ways to check in on someone, depending on the exact situation.",{"type":33,"tag":394,"props":395,"children":396},"table",{},[397,421],{"type":33,"tag":398,"props":399,"children":400},"thead",{},[401],{"type":33,"tag":402,"props":403,"children":404},"tr",{},[405,411,416],{"type":33,"tag":406,"props":407,"children":408},"th",{},[409],{"type":38,"value":410},"Japanese Sentences",{"type":33,"tag":406,"props":412,"children":413},{},[414],{"type":38,"value":415},"English Translations",{"type":33,"tag":406,"props":417,"children":418},{},[419],{"type":38,"value":420},"Explanations",{"type":33,"tag":422,"props":423,"children":424},"tbody",{},[425,450,472,494],{"type":33,"tag":402,"props":426,"children":427},{},[428,440,445],{"type":33,"tag":429,"props":430,"children":431},"td",{},[432,434],{"type":38,"value":433},"調子はどう？ ",{"type":33,"tag":435,"props":436,"children":439},"custom-audio",{"src":437,":type":438},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fja_c492083730\u002Fja_c492083730.mp3","3",[],{"type":33,"tag":429,"props":441,"children":442},{},[443],{"type":38,"value":444},"How's it going?",{"type":33,"tag":429,"props":446,"children":447},{},[448],{"type":38,"value":449},"This casual phrase works great with friends and has a laid-back vibe. \"Choushi\" refers to condition or state, and \"dou\" means \"how.\"",{"type":33,"tag":402,"props":451,"children":452},{},[453,462,467],{"type":33,"tag":429,"props":454,"children":455},{},[456,458],{"type":38,"value":457},"最近どう？ ",{"type":33,"tag":435,"props":459,"children":461},{"src":460,":type":438},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fja_1216a22083\u002Fja_1216a22083.mp3",[],{"type":33,"tag":429,"props":463,"children":464},{},[465],{"type":38,"value":466},"How have you been lately?",{"type":33,"tag":429,"props":468,"children":469},{},[470],{"type":38,"value":471},"The word \"saikin\" means \"recently\" or \"lately,\" so this phrase naturally fits when catching up with someone.",{"type":33,"tag":402,"props":473,"children":474},{},[475,484,489],{"type":33,"tag":429,"props":476,"children":477},{},[478,480],{"type":38,"value":479},"元気にしてる？ ",{"type":33,"tag":435,"props":481,"children":483},{"src":482,":type":438},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fja_a22434ae2b\u002Fja_a22434ae2b.mp3",[],{"type":33,"tag":429,"props":485,"children":486},{},[487],{"type":38,"value":488},"Have you been well?",{"type":33,"tag":429,"props":490,"children":491},{},[492],{"type":38,"value":493},"This is another casual way to ask \"have you been well?\" The \"ni\" particle here works with \"shiteru\" to create a meaning of \"doing in a healthy\u002Fenergetic way.\"",{"type":33,"tag":402,"props":495,"children":496},{},[497,506,511],{"type":33,"tag":429,"props":498,"children":499},{},[500,502],{"type":38,"value":501},"お変わりありませんか？ ",{"type":33,"tag":435,"props":503,"children":505},{"src":504,":type":438},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fja_afafff4ad2\u002Fja_afafff4ad2.mp3",[],{"type":33,"tag":429,"props":507,"children":508},{},[509],{"type":38,"value":510},"Has there been no change?",{"type":33,"tag":429,"props":512,"children":513},{},[514],{"type":38,"value":515},"This is a formal phrase that literally asks \"has there been no change?\" It's a polite way to ask if someone's been doing well, implying you hope they've been consistently good. You'd use this in formal or business settings.",{"type":33,"tag":56,"props":517,"children":518},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":60,"props":520,"children":522},{"id":521},"cultural-context-when-and-how-to-use-these-phrases",[523],{"type":38,"value":524},"Cultural context: When and how to use these phrases",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":526,"children":527},{},[528],{"type":38,"value":529},"Understanding the cultural backdrop helps you use these phrases more naturally.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":531,"children":532},{},[533],{"type":38,"value":534},"Japanese culture places huge importance on reading the situation and adjusting your language accordingly. The same person might require different levels of politeness depending on the setting. Your coworker might be fine with casual speech at an after-work dinner, but you'd switch to polite forms during a meeting.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":536,"children":537},{},[538],{"type":38,"value":539},"Age, social status, and relationship length all factor into which phrase you choose. When in doubt, start more formal and let the other person set the tone. If they respond casually, you can often match their level.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":541,"children":542},{},[543],{"type":38,"value":544},"Here's something interesting: Japanese people often don't ask \"how are you\" to people they see every day. If you work in the same office and saw your colleague yesterday, you'd probably just say \"ohayou gozaimasu\" (good morning) without adding \"ogenki desu ka.\" The \"how are you\" question implies some time has passed since you last connected.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":546,"children":547},{},[548],{"type":38,"value":549},"Also, Japanese communication tends toward indirectness. When someone asks \"genki desu ka,\" they're usually being polite rather than expecting a detailed rundown of your problems. The culturally appropriate response is often \"genki desu\" even if you're having a mediocre day, unless you're talking to a close friend who genuinely wants to know.",{"type":33,"tag":56,"props":551,"children":552},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":60,"props":554,"children":556},{"id":555},"practical-examples-in-different-situations",[557],{"type":38,"value":558},"Practical examples in different situations",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":560,"children":561},{},[562],{"type":38,"value":563},"Let me give you some real-world scenarios so you can see how these phrases work in context.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":565,"children":566},{},[567,573,577,580,582,586,589,592,594,598],{"type":33,"tag":568,"props":569,"children":570},"strong",{},[571],{"type":38,"value":572},"Meeting a friend for coffee:",{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":575,"children":576},"br",{},[],{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":578,"children":579},{},[],{"type":38,"value":581},"You: ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":583,"children":585},{"lang":74,"syntax":584},"こんにちは[;o]{！}元気[げんき;a]{？}",[],{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":587,"children":588},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":590,"children":591},{},[],{"type":38,"value":593},"Friend: ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":595,"children":597},{"lang":74,"syntax":596},"うん[;a]{、}元気[げんき;a]{！}",[],{"type":38,"value":599}," (Yeah, doing well!)",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":601,"children":602},{},[603,608,611,614,615,619,622,625,627,631],{"type":33,"tag":568,"props":604,"children":605},{},[606],{"type":38,"value":607},"Greeting your boss at work:",{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":609,"children":610},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":612,"children":613},{},[],{"type":38,"value":581},{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":616,"children":618},{"lang":74,"syntax":617},"おはよう[;h] ござい[,ござい;n2]ます{。}お 元気[げんき;a] です[;a] か{。}",[],{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":620,"children":621},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":623,"children":624},{},[],{"type":38,"value":626},"Boss: ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":628,"children":630},{"lang":74,"syntax":629},"はい[;a]{、}元気[げんき;a] です[;a]{。}ありがとう[;n2]{。}",[],{"type":38,"value":632},"(Yes, I'm well, thank you.)",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":634,"children":635},{},[636,641,644,647,648,652,654,657,660,662,666],{"type":33,"tag":568,"props":637,"children":638},{},[639],{"type":38,"value":640},"Running into an old classmate:",{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":642,"children":643},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":645,"children":646},{},[],{"type":38,"value":581},{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":649,"children":651},{"lang":74,"syntax":650},"久[ひさ;h,o]しぶり{！}元気[げんき;a] に し[,する;h]てた{？}",[],{"type":38,"value":653},"(Long time no see! Have you been well?)",{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":655,"children":656},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":658,"children":659},{},[],{"type":38,"value":661},"Classmate: ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":663,"children":665},{"lang":74,"syntax":664},"うん[;a]{、}元気[げんき;a] だ よ{。}",[],{"type":38,"value":667},"(Yeah, I've been good.)",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":669,"children":670},{},[671,676,679,682,686],{"type":33,"tag":568,"props":672,"children":673},{},[674],{"type":38,"value":675},"Formal email to a client:",{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":677,"children":678},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":680,"children":681},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":683,"children":685},{"lang":74,"syntax":684},"お 元気[げんき;a] で いらっしゃい[,いらっしゃる;k4]ます か",[],{"type":38,"value":687},"。(This uses an even more formal verb form \"irasshaimasu\" for maximum politeness.)",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":689,"children":690},{},[691,696,699,702,706],{"type":33,"tag":568,"props":692,"children":693},{},[694],{"type":38,"value":695},"Texting a friend:",{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":697,"children":698},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":700,"children":701},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":703,"children":705},{"lang":74,"syntax":704},"元気[げんき;a] ー",[],{"type":38,"value":707},"？(The elongated vowel mark makes it feel casual and friendly in text.)",{"type":33,"tag":56,"props":709,"children":710},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":60,"props":712,"children":714},{"id":713},"tips-for-japanese-learners",[715],{"type":38,"value":716},"Tips for Japanese learners",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":718,"children":719},{},[720],{"type":38,"value":721},"If you're learning Japanese and want to use these phrases naturally, here are some practical tips.",{"type":33,"tag":723,"props":724,"children":725},"ol",{},[726,756,761,775,789,794],{"type":33,"tag":727,"props":728,"children":729},"li",{},[730,732,739,741,744,746,749,751,754],{"type":38,"value":731},"Start by mastering ",{"type":33,"tag":41,"props":733,"children":736},{"href":734,"rel":735},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku.com\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fthank-you-in-japanese",[45],[737],{"type":38,"value":738},"元気ですか",{"type":38,"value":740}," and its response ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":742,"children":743},{"lang":74,"syntax":108},[],{"type":38,"value":745},". These two will get you through most situations as a beginner. Once you're comfortable, add the casual ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":747,"children":748},{"lang":74,"syntax":263},[],{"type":38,"value":750},"？ for friends and the formal ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":752,"children":753},{"lang":74,"syntax":172},[],{"type":38,"value":755}," for professional settings.",{"type":33,"tag":727,"props":757,"children":758},{},[759],{"type":38,"value":760},"Listen to how native speakers use these phrases. Japanese media, podcasts, and conversation practice will help you pick up the natural rhythm and intonation. The way you say \"genki?\" with rising intonation makes it sound like a genuine question rather than a flat statement.",{"type":33,"tag":727,"props":762,"children":763},{},[764,766,773],{"type":38,"value":765},"Pay attention to context. Notice when Japanese people ask ",{"type":33,"tag":41,"props":767,"children":770},{"href":768,"rel":769},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku.com\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Ftop-12-greetings-in-japanese",[45],[771],{"type":38,"value":772},"\"how are you\"",{"type":38,"value":774}," and when they don't. You'll start to develop an instinct for appropriate timing.",{"type":33,"tag":727,"props":776,"children":777},{},[778,780,787],{"type":38,"value":779},"Don't stress too much about making mistakes. Japanese people generally appreciate when learners try to use their language, and they'll understand what you mean even if you mix up ",{"type":33,"tag":41,"props":781,"children":784},{"href":782,"rel":783},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku.com\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fintroduction-to-keigo",[45],[785],{"type":38,"value":786},"formality levels",{"type":38,"value":788},". That said, erring on the side of more polite is usually safer when you're unsure.",{"type":33,"tag":727,"props":790,"children":791},{},[792],{"type":38,"value":793},"Practice the responses too. Knowing how to ask is only half the equation. Being able to respond naturally when someone asks you makes the conversation flow better.",{"type":33,"tag":727,"props":795,"children":796},{},[797,799,802],{"type":38,"value":798},"Writing them out helps too. Practice writing ",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":800,"children":801},{"lang":74,"syntax":75},[],{"type":38,"value":803}," in hiragana, kanji, and romaji until it becomes automatic. Create flashcards with the phrase on one side and the situation to use it on the other.",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":805,"children":806},{},[807],{"type":38,"value":808},"Anyway, if you're serious about learning Japanese, Migaku's browser extension and app let you look up words and phrases instantly while watching Japanese shows or reading articles. You can save expressions like these directly into your study deck. There's a 10-day free trial if you want to check it out.",{"type":33,"tag":810,"props":811,"children":816},"img",{"src":812,"width":813,"height":814,"alt":815},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F3_screens_purple_10_52b07a37d5\u002F3_screens_purple_10_52b07a37d5.png",1620,1000,"Learn Japanese with Youtube and Migaku",[],{"type":33,"tag":818,"props":819,"children":822},"prose-button",{"href":820,"text":821},"\u002Flearn-japanese","Learn Japanese with Migaku",[],{"type":33,"tag":56,"props":824,"children":825},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":60,"props":827,"children":829},{"id":828},"faqs",[830],{"type":38,"value":831},"FAQs",{"type":33,"tag":833,"props":834,"children":836},"accordion",{"heading":835},"Who are you in Japanese translation?",[837,839,843,845,849,851,855],{"type":38,"value":838},"\n\"Who are you\" in Japanese is \n",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":840,"children":842},{"lang":74,"syntax":841},"あなた[;n2] は 誰[だれ;a] です[;a] か",[],{"type":38,"value":844},"\n in polite form, or just \n",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":846,"children":848},{"lang":74,"syntax":847},"誰[だれ;a]",[],{"type":38,"value":850},"\n？ casually. \"Dare\" means \"who.\" But honestly, Japanese people rarely ask this directly because it can sound rude. They'd more likely ask \n",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":852,"children":854},{"lang":74,"syntax":853},"お 名前[なまえ;h] は",[],{"type":38,"value":856},"\n？, meaning \"your name is...?\" with rising intonation.\n",{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":858,"children":859},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":833,"props":861,"children":863},{"heading":862},"How do you spell 'how are you' in Japanese?",[864,866,870,872,875,877,880],{"type":38,"value":865},"\nIn hiragana, the most common version is \n",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":867,"children":869},{"lang":74,"syntax":868},"げんき[;a] です[;a] か",[],{"type":38,"value":871},"\n. In kanji with hiragana, it's \n",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":873,"children":874},{"lang":74,"syntax":75},[],{"type":38,"value":876},"\n. In romaji (Roman letters), it's \"genki desu ka.\" Most Japanese writing mixes kanji and hiragana, so \n",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":878,"children":879},{"lang":74,"syntax":75},[],{"type":38,"value":881},"\n is what you'd typically see.\n",{"type":33,"tag":574,"props":883,"children":884},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":833,"props":886,"children":888},{"heading":887},"How do we say 'how are you' in Japanese?",[889,891,894,896,899,901,904],{"type":38,"value":890},"\n As we've covered, the most common way is \n",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":892,"children":893},{"lang":74,"syntax":75},[],{"type":38,"value":895},"\n, but the exact phrase changes based on formality and context. You've got \n",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":897,"children":898},{"lang":74,"syntax":172},[],{"type":38,"value":900},"\n for formal situations, \n",{"type":33,"tag":72,"props":902,"children":903},{"lang":74,"syntax":263},[],{"type":38,"value":905},"\n？ for casual situations, and various other options depending on what you want to convey.\n",{"type":33,"tag":56,"props":907,"children":908},{},[],{"type":33,"tag":60,"props":910,"children":912},{"id":911},"unlock-more-greetings-with-media-you-enjoy",[913],{"type":38,"value":914},"Unlock more greetings with media you enjoy!",{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":916,"children":917},{},[918],{"type":38,"value":919},"While textbooks cover the basic greetings, media like dramas and movies can expand your vocabulary pool of how to greet more naturally and with diversity. Who wouldn't want to explore more options when enjoying the shows you love?",{"type":33,"tag":921,"props":922,"children":923},"blockquote",{},[924],{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":925,"children":926},{},[927,929,935],{"type":38,"value":928},"If you consume media in Japanese, and you understand at least some of the messages and sentences within that media, you will make progress. ",{"type":33,"tag":930,"props":931,"children":932},"em",{},[933],{"type":38,"value":934},"Period",{"type":38,"value":356},{"type":33,"tag":34,"props":937,"children":938},{},[939],{"type":38,"value":940},"Surprise your Japanese friends with natural greetings!",{"title":27,"searchDepth":942,"depth":942,"links":943},2,[944,948,953,958,959,960,961,962,963,964],{"id":62,"depth":942,"text":65,"children":945},[946],{"id":97,"depth":947,"text":100},3,{"id":150,"depth":942,"text":153,"children":949},[950,951,952],{"id":161,"depth":947,"text":164},{"id":188,"depth":947,"text":191},{"id":216,"depth":947,"text":219},{"id":241,"depth":942,"text":244,"children":954},[955,956,957],{"id":252,"depth":947,"text":255},{"id":274,"depth":947,"text":277},{"id":295,"depth":947,"text":298},{"id":331,"depth":942,"text":334},{"id":384,"depth":942,"text":387},{"id":521,"depth":942,"text":524},{"id":555,"depth":942,"text":558},{"id":713,"depth":942,"text":716},{"id":828,"depth":942,"text":831},{"id":911,"depth":942,"text":914},"2025-12-12T19:18:42.535Z","2026-01-03T00:09:03.544Z","2026-01-03T00:09:03.599Z","japanese",0,"December 15, 2025",[],[973,987,1000],{"id":974,"documentId":975,"slug":976,"category":968,"lang":3,"title":977,"description":978,"image":979,"tags":983,"timestampUnix":986,"featured":19},6138,"t4kyrojag773t50kom5plzgu","japanese-writing-systems-explained","Japanese Writing Systems Explained: Hiragana, Katakana & Kanji","Learn the three Japanese writing systems: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. Understand their origins, usage, and which to learn first for reading Japanese.",{"alt":980,"src":981,"width":814,"height":982,"previewOnly":19},"The three Japanese writing systems explained - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FJapanese_Writing_System_d6c8fa4b_d6c0_4e29_b016_423f201c4ca2_7c98c01af0\u002FJapanese_Writing_System_d6c8fa4b_d6c0_4e29_b016_423f201c4ca2_7c98c01af0.jpg",1053,[21,984,985],"culture","deepdive","1776272460000",{"id":988,"documentId":989,"slug":990,"category":968,"lang":3,"title":991,"description":992,"image":993,"tags":997,"timestampUnix":999,"featured":19},5900,"f2o45r1q13caqr4rlq02jhhl","japanese-alphabet-guide-hiragana-katakana-kanji","Japanese Alphabet Guide: Hiragana, Katakana & Kanji Explained","Learn how the Japanese alphabet actually works. Complete guide to hiragana, katakana, and kanji with practical tips for mastering Japanese writing systems.",{"alt":994,"src":995,"width":814,"height":996,"previewOnly":19},"Understanding the Japanese writing system - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_13_014615_3eddd837e9\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_13_014615_3eddd837e9.png",626,[21,998,24],"pronunciation","1776027660000",{"id":1001,"documentId":1002,"slug":1003,"category":968,"lang":3,"title":1004,"description":1005,"image":1006,"tags":1010,"timestampUnix":1011,"featured":19},5846,"q6j9qy3whoetrn9x84kd4wkl","japanese-weather-phrases-daily-conversation","Japanese Weather Phrases for Daily Conversation","Learn common Japanese weather phrases for everyday conversations. Master essential vocabulary like sunny, rainy, and temperature descriptions with examples.",{"alt":1007,"src":1008,"width":814,"height":1009,"previewOnly":19},"Common Japanese weather phrases for daily conversation - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F890940_ea2b811b0b\u002F890940_ea2b811b0b.jpg",800,[22,23],"1775617200000"]