Asking About Well-being

Question 1

お元気ですか？

Answer 1

(Ogenki desu ka?) – How are you? (formal):
This is a polite and formal way to ask how someone is doing. It’s suitable for situations where you want to show respect, such as when speaking to someone older or in a professional setting.

Question 2

元気です

Answer 2

(Genki desu) – I’m fine:
This is a standard, polite response to “Ogenki desu ka?” It means “I’m doing well.”

Question 3

まあまあです

Answer 3

(Maa maa desu) – I’m so-so:
This phrase conveys a feeling of “so-so” or “not bad.” It’s used when you’re neither particularly good nor bad.

Question 4

おかげさまで

Answer 4

(Okagesama de) – Thanks to you, I’m doing well (polite):
This is a very polite phrase that expresses gratitude for someone’s concern. It implies that you’re doing well thanks to the other person’s support or well-wishes.

“Okagesama de” shows a very high level of politeness and appreciation.

Question 5

最近どうですか？

Answer 5

(Saikin dou desu ka?) – How have you been recently?:
This phrase asks about someone’s recent state or how things have been going in their life lately.

Question 6

お久しぶりですね

Answer 6

(Ohisashiburi desu ne) – Long time no see (formal):
This is a polite way to greet someone you haven’t seen in a while.

Question 7

久しぶり！

Answer 7

(Hisashiburi!) – Long time no see! (casual):
This is the casual version of the previous phrase, used among friends and family.

“Hisashiburi” changes in politeness by the addition of the “O” and the “desu ne” additions.