24 Essential Japanese Phrases for “How Are You?”

Wondering how to ask “How are you?” in Japanese? You’re in the right place.

Japanese offers a rich variety of expressions to check in on someone’s wellbeing, from casual chats to polite conversations. Each phrase carries its own nuance and charm.

Mastering these phrases will help you connect more naturally with Japanese speakers, whether you’re traveling, making friends, or just curious about the language.

In this guide, we’ll walk through 24 essential Japanese ways to say “How are you?”—covering casual, polite, and even native-like expressions to suit every situation.

Learning these will boost your confidence and make your conversations feel warmer and more genuine.

Ready to dive in and sound more like a local? Let’s get started!

Understanding Contexts for “How Are You?” in Japanese

Japanese phrases for “How are you?” vary widely depending on who you’re talking to and the situation.

Some expressions are very casual, perfect for friends or family, while others are more formal and respectful, used in work or polite settings.

It’s important to choose the right phrase to avoid sounding awkward or rude.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

Getting a feel for when to use each phrase makes your learning smoother and more fun.

Plus, it helps you build a natural rhythm in conversation that native speakers appreciate.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. 元気？ (Genki? – gen-kee?)

This is the simplest and most common way to ask “How are you?” among friends.

“元気” (genki) means “healthy” or “well,” so you’re basically asking “Are you well?” It’s short and sweet, perfect for casual conversations.

Because it’s informal, only use it with people you know well.

It’s like checking in with a friend—friendly and direct.

You might hear a reply like “元気だよ！” (Genki da yo!) meaning “I’m good!”

Use this phrase to sound natural and keep things lighthearted.

2. 元気？調子はどう？ (Genki? Choushi wa dou? – gen-kee? choh-shee wah doh?)

This expands on the simple “元気？” by adding “調子はどう？” which means “How’s your condition?” or “How’s it going?”

It’s still casual but adds more warmth and curiosity. It’s easy to remember and sounds engaging.

Emphasize “調子” (choushi) as “condition” or “state.”

Watch out not to confuse it with formal greetings; this stays casual.

Example: “元気？調子はどう？” “まあまあだよ。” (“I’m okay.”) feels like a natural chat.

This phrase adds personality and shows you care.

3. 最近どう？ (Saikin dou? – sigh-keen doh?)

This means “How have you been recently?” and is perfect for friends you haven’t seen in a while.

“最近” (saikin) means “recently,” and “どう” (dou) means “how,” making it a casual way to check in on someone’s life.

It’s easy to use and feels personal.

Try not to use this with strangers or very formal settings.

Example: “最近どう？” “忙しいけど元気だよ！” (“I’m busy but good!”)

Great for sparking longer conversations about life.

4. 調子いい？ (Choushi ii? – choh-shee ee?)

This phrase means “Are you feeling good?” or “How’s it going?” and is very casual.

“調子” (choushi) is “condition,” and “いい” (ii) means “good.”

It’s commonly used among young people or in relaxed environments.

Avoid using this in formal or professional situations.

Example: “調子いい？” “うん、最高！” (“Yeah, great!”)

It’s a cheerful way to connect and show you care.

5. 元気にしてる？ (Genki ni shiteru? – gen-kee nee shee-teh-roo?)

This phrase means “Are you doing well?” and is slightly more detailed than just “元気？”

“してる” (shiteru) is the casual present continuous form of “to do,” so you’re literally asking “Are you being well?”

It’s friendly, casual, and common in spoken Japanese.

Try to use it with close friends or family.

Example: “元気にしてる？” “うん、元気だよ！” (“Yes, I’m well!”)

It adds a bit more nuance to your check-in.

6. どう？ (Dou? – doh?)

Simply “How’s it?” or “How are you?” Very informal and short.

Great for quick catch-ups or when tone is playful.

Because it’s so brief, use it only with people you’re close to.

Don’t confuse it with more formal “どうですか？” which is polite.

Example: “今日どう？” (“How’s today?”)

Perfect for keeping things light and breezy.

7. 元気してる？ (Genki shiteru? – gen-kee shee-teh-roo?)

This phrase means “Are you doing well?” and is similar to “元気にしてる？” but slightly more conversational.

It’s very natural in everyday speech with friends or family.

Easy to remember because it sticks close to “元気.”

Avoid using with strangers or formal people.

Example: “元気してる？” “まあまあだよ。” (“I’m okay.”)

It’s a casual, caring way to check in.

8. どう調子？ (Dou choushi? – doh choh-shee?)

This phrase translates roughly to “How’s your condition?” and is very casual.

It’s a fun and informal way to ask “How are you feeling?”

Because it’s so casual, reserve it for close friends or younger people.

Don’t mix it up with more polite forms in business settings.

Example: “どう調子？” “いい感じ！” (“Feeling good!”)

It’s a relaxed phrase that’s easy to use daily.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. お元気ですか？ (O-genki desu ka? – oh-gen-kee dess kah?)

This is the polite form of “元気？” and is perfect in formal or business contexts.

“お” (o) is an honorific prefix adding politeness, “元気” (genki) means “well,” and “ですか” (desu ka) turns it into a question.

It’s respectful and shows genuine care.

Don’t use this with close friends, as it sounds stiff.

Example: “お元気ですか？” “はい、おかげさまで元気です。” (“Yes, thanks to you, I’m well.”)

This phrase is a must-know for polite conversations.

10. 最近いかがですか？ (Saikin ikaga desu ka? – sigh-keen ee-kah-gah dess kah?)

This phrase means “How have you been recently?” in a polite way.

“いかが” (ikaga) is a polite way to say “how,” adding refinement to “最近” (saikin) meaning “recently.”

It’s great for acquaintances or business contacts.

Avoid using casual “どう？” with this group.

Example: “最近いかがですか？” “おかげさまで順調です。” (“Thanks to you, things are going well.”)

Use this to sound respectful and thoughtful.

11. お変わりありませんか？ (O-kawari arimasen ka? – oh-kah-wah-ree ah-ree-mah-sen kah?)

This is a very polite and somewhat traditional way to ask “Are you well?” or “Is there any change?”

“お変わり” (o-kawari) means “change,” and “ありませんか” (arimasen ka) means “is there not?”

It’s often used in written communication or formal speech.

Don’t use casually; it can sound old-fashioned or stiff.

Example: “お変わりありませんか？” “はい、元気にしております。” (“Yes, I’m well.”)

Great for formal letters or speeches.

12. いかがお過ごしですか？ (Ikaga o-sugoshi desu ka? – ee-kah-gah oh-soo-goh-shee dess kah?)

This phrase means “How are you spending your time?” and is a polite way to ask how someone is doing.

“お過ごし” (o-sugoshi) is a respectful way to say “spending time,” combined with “いかが” (ikaga) for politeness.

It’s perfect for formal social situations.

Avoid casual settings where it may sound too formal.

Example: “いかがお過ごしですか？” “元気に過ごしております。” (“I’m spending my time well.”)

Use this to sound graceful and considerate.

13. ご機嫌いかがですか？ (Gokigen ikaga desu ka? – go-kee-gen ee-kah-gah dess kah?)

This phrase means “How is your mood?” or “How are you feeling?” and is quite polite.

“ご機嫌” (gokigen) refers to someone’s mood or spirits, paired with “いかがですか” (ikaga desu ka) for politeness.

It’s often used in business or formal social settings.

Don’t use it casually, as it can sound too formal or distant.

Example: “ご機嫌いかがですか？” “ご心配なく、元気です。” (“Don’t worry, I’m well.”)

This phrase shows refined care and respect.

14. お疲れ様です。 (Otsukaresama desu. – oh-tsu-kah-reh-sah-mah dess)

This phrase literally means “You must be tired” but is often used to acknowledge someone’s effort and ask “How are you?” implicitly.

It’s polite and common in workplaces after a long day.

Use it to show appreciation and care.

Avoid using it to start conversations; it’s more for endings or check-ins.

Example: “お疲れ様です。調子はいかがですか？” (“Thanks for your hard work. How are you feeling?”)

It’s a respectful and warm way to connect professionally.

15. 体調はいかがですか？ (Taichou wa ikaga desu ka? – tie-choh wah ee-kah-gah dess kah?)

This means “How is your physical condition?” and is polite and caring.

“体調” (taichou) means “physical condition” or “health,” and adding “いかがですか” makes it polite.

It’s perfect for asking someone about their wellbeing, especially if they’ve been ill.

Don’t use casually with friends; it sounds too formal or medical.

Example: “体調はいかがですか？” “おかげさまで良くなりました。” (“Thanks to you, I’ve gotten better.”)

Use this to show genuine concern politely.

16. ご無事ですか？ (Gobuji desu ka? – go-boo-jee dess kah?)

This phrase means “Are you safe?” or “Are you unharmed?” and is very polite.

“ご無事” (gobuji) means “safe” or “unharmed,” often used after accidents or disasters.

It’s formal and shows deep care.

Not used for casual daily greetings.

Example: “ご無事ですか？” “はい、無事です。” (“Yes, I’m safe.”)

Use it when safety or wellbeing is a concern.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. どう元気？ (Dou genki? – doh gen-kee?)

This is a casual, friendly way to say “How are you?” combining “どう” (how) and “元気” (well).

It’s very informal and often used among young people.

Easy to say and sounds natural.

Only use with close friends or peers.

Example: “どう元気？” “まあまあだよ。” (“So-so.”)

It adds a relaxed, native feel to your conversation.

18. 調子は？ (Choushi wa? – choh-shee wah?)

Simply “How’s it going?” or “How are you?” Very casual and short.

Perfect for quick check-ins with friends.

Easy to remember and sounds natural.

Don’t use in formal settings.

Example: “調子は？” “いいよ！” (“I’m good!”)

Great for keeping your Japanese sounding native-like.

19. どうしてる？ (Doushiteru? – doh-shee-teh-roo?)

This means “What are you up to?” or “How have you been?” in a casual way.

It’s natural among young people and close friends.

Easy to use and remember.

Don’t confuse with formal “どうしていますか？” which is polite.

Example: “最近どうしてる？” (“How have you been lately?”)

Use it to sound friendly and approachable.

20. 元気かい？ (Genki kai? – gen-kee kai?)

This is a casual question meaning “Are you well?” with “かい” adding a friendly question tone.

Common among men or older speakers in casual contexts.

Simple yet warm.

Don’t use in formal or unfamiliar situations.

Example: “元気かい？” “元気だよ！” (“I’m good!”)

It’s a friendly and familiar way to check in.

21. やあ、元気？ (Yaa, genki? – yah, gen-kee?)

This is a casual “Hey, how are you?” greeting.

“やあ” (yaa) is a friendly “hey,” and “元気？” asks about wellbeing.

It sounds cheerful and inviting.

Only use with friends or peers.

Example: “やあ、元気？” “うん、元気だよ！” (“Hey, I’m good!”)

Great for informal, lively conversations.

22. どうよ？ (Dou yo? – doh yoh?)

This phrase means “How’s it going?” in a very casual, sometimes rough tone.

“よ” (yo) adds emphasis and friendliness.

Common among younger speakers.

Avoid using it in polite or formal contexts.

Example: “最近どうよ？” (“How’s it going lately?”)

It’s great for sounding like a native teen or young adult.

23. 元気してんの？ (Genki shiten no? – gen-kee shee-ten noh?)

This is a very casual and somewhat slangy way to ask “Are you doing well?”

“してんの” is a contraction of “しているの,” making it sound more relaxed.

Use it only with close friends or younger people.

Avoid in formal or unfamiliar settings.

Example: “元気してんの？” “うん、元気！” (“Yeah, I’m good!”)

Perfect for informal, everyday conversations.

24. 最近どうなん？ (Saikin dou nan? – sigh-keen doh nan?)

This is a casual Kansai dialect version of “How have you been recently?”

“どうなん？” adds a friendly, conversational tone.

It’s popular in western Japan but understood widely.

Use it to sound more regional and natural among close friends.

Example: “最近どうなん？” “まあまあやな。” (“So-so.”)

Great for adding regional flavor to your Japanese.

Concluding Thought

Learning all these different ways to say “How are you?” in Japanese opens up new avenues for connection and understanding.

Whether you prefer casual, polite, or native-like expressions, there’s a phrase here for every occasion and relationship.

Keep practicing, stay curious, and soon you’ll find these greetings rolling off your tongue naturally, making your Japanese conversations more warm and authentic.