お元気ですか

o-genki-desu-ka
phraseBeginner how are you
formal

A polite way to ask someone about their health or well-being, often used as a greeting.

お元気ですか?

How are you?

お元気ですか?お久しぶりです。

How have you been? It's been a while.

💡

This phrase is commonly used in formal and polite contexts, such as business settings or when meeting someone for the first time.

Related Phrases

💡Pro Tip

Polite Greeting

This phrase is a polite way to ask about someone's well-being and is commonly used in formal settings.

Gold Rule

Formal Context

Use this phrase in formal or polite contexts, such as business meetings or when meeting someone for the first time.

📖Word Origin

The phrase is derived from the polite form of the verb 元気 (genki), meaning 'healthy' or 'in good spirits,' combined with the polite question form ですか (desu ka).

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is a standard greeting in Japanese and is often used in formal or polite contexts. It is less common in very casual settings among close friends or family.

Word Breakdown

polite prefix
prefix
+
元気
healthy, in good spirits
root
+
ですか
polite question form
suffix
和英辞典