Translation guide
A common English greeting that asks about someone's well-being. In Japanese, direct translations are rarely used as casual greetings; instead, the appropriate expression depends heavily on context, relationship, and whether you've seen the person recently.
You want to ask a close friend or family member how they've been after some time apart.
Asks 'Have you been well?' referring to the time since you last met. Slightly more past-oriented.
最近どう？元気だった？
How have you been lately?
Very casual, meaning 'What have you been up to?' or 'How have you been?' Used among close friends.
おー、久しぶり。どうしてた？
Oh, long time no see. How have you been?
You want to politely ask about someone's well-being after a period of not seeing them, such as a colleague or acquaintance.
The standard polite way to ask 'How are you?' when you haven't seen someone for a while. Not used as a daily greeting.
ご無沙汰しております。お元気ですか。
It's been a long time. How are you?
A more formal and polite way to ask 'How have you been?' Literally 'How have you been spending your time?' Used in business or with superiors.
その後、いかがお過ごしですか。
How have you been since then?
You want to greet someone you see regularly, like a coworker or neighbor, similar to the English 'How are you?' as a casual daily greeting.
Japanese does not use 'How are you?' as a daily greeting. Instead, use おはようございます (good morning), こんにちは (hello/good afternoon), or こんばんは (good evening). These are the natural equivalents for daily interactions.
おはようございます。
Good morning. (used as a daily greeting, not a question about health)
こんにちは。
Hello. / Good afternoon. (used as a daily greeting)
Casually asks 'How have you been lately?' but is not a daily greeting. It implies you haven't talked in a while or are checking in.
最近どう？仕事忙しい？
How have you been? Busy with work?
You are genuinely concerned about someone's health or physical condition, perhaps because they were sick or seem tired.
Means 'Are you okay?' or 'Are you alright?' Used when someone seems unwell or upset. Casual.
顔色が悪いけど、大丈夫？
You look pale. Are you okay?
Politely asks 'How is your physical condition?' Suitable when someone has been ill or you're concerned about their health.
昨日は休んでいたけど、体調はどうですか。
You were absent yesterday. How are you feeling?
Asks 'How are you feeling?' focusing on mood or comfort, often used when someone is sick or recovering. Casual.
熱は下がった？気分はどう？
Has your fever gone down? How are you feeling?
You are writing a letter or email and want to include a polite inquiry about the recipient's well-being.
Very polite and formal, used in letters or emails to ask 'How are you?' Often used in opening greetings.
拝啓、春暖の候、お元気でいらっしゃいますか。
Dear Sir/Madam, as spring arrives, I hope you are well.
Polite and formal, similar to 'How have you been?' Used in written correspondence.
その後、いかがお過ごしでしょうか。
How have you been since we last corresponded?
In English, 'How are you?' is often a simple greeting without expecting a detailed answer. In Japanese, asking '元気？' implies you haven't seen the person for a while and genuinely want to know how they've been. Using it daily with coworkers or classmates would be unnatural and potentially confusing.
毎朝「元気？」と聞くのは変です。
It's weird to ask 'Genki?' every morning.
元気 (genki) refers to general well-being and energy. 調子 (choushi) refers more to condition or state, often used for machines or specific body parts. When asking about a person, '調子はどう？' can mean 'How are things?' or 'How's it going?' but is less common than 元気 for health.
最近、体の調子はどう？
How's your body been lately? (focus on physical condition)
If someone asks you '元気？', a common response is '元気だよ' (I'm fine) or 'まあまあ' (so-so). You can then return the question with 'そっちは？' (And you?).