Hello, I’m Kodak.
You have just met a Japanese teacher, former coworker, host family member, or friend after some time apart.
They smile and ask:
Hiragana: おげんきですか
Romaji: o-genki desu ka?
Meaning: Are you well? / How have you been?
Is はい、元気です enough? Should I say お元気です? And how do I ask “and you?”
はい、おかげさまで元気です。〇〇さんはいかがですか？
“Yes, I’m doing well, thank you. How about you?”
But your best reply changes depending on your condition, your relationship, and how much detail you want to share.
Simple and polite:
はい、元気です。
Yes, I’m well.
Warm and polite:
おかげさまで、元気です。
I’m doing well, thank you.
Reply and ask back:
おかげさまで元気です。田中さんはいかがですか？
I’m doing well, thank you. How about you, Tanaka-san?
Casual:
うん、元気だよ。そっちは？
Yeah, I’m good. How about you?
This article gives you natural replies for being well, tired, busy, sick, so-so, or simply unwilling to explain everything. It also explains politeness, grammar, pronunciation, email replies, and common beginner mistakes.
What Is the Best Reply to お元気ですか?
For most beginner situations, use one of these three answers.
① はい、元気です。
Hai, genki desu.
Yes, I’m well.
② おかげさまで、元気です。
Okagesama de, genki desu.
I’m doing well, thank you.
③ はい、元気です。〇〇さんはいかがですか？
Hai, genki desu. [Name]-san wa ikaga desu ka?
Yes, I’m well. How about you, [Name]?
Then add おかげさまで when you want to sound warmer and more polished, and add the other person’s name when you want to ask back naturally.
A：お久しぶりです。お元気ですか？
Ohisashiburi desu. O-genki desu ka?
Long time no see. How have you been?B：はい、元気です。
Hai, genki desu.
Yes, I’m well.
Why Do You Reply 元気です, Not お元気です?
The お in お元気ですか is an honorific prefix. The speaker adds it to show respect or politeness toward the person whose condition is being discussed.
お元気ですか？
Are you well?
Talking about yourself:
元気です。
I am well.
However, お元気です can appear when respectfully describing someone else:
先生はお元気です。
The teacher is doing well.
The important question is: whose 元気 are you talking about?
Intended meaning: “I’m well.”
Problem: unnecessarily honorifies the speaker’s own condition.
○ 元気です。
I’m well.
○ 先生もお元気です。
The teacher is also doing well.
Breaking Down お元気ですか
honorific/polite prefix
元気 (genki)
health, well-being, vitality, energy
です (desu)
polite copula
か (ka)
question marker
The expression literally asks whether the other person is in a good, healthy, energetic condition. Natural English translations include “How are you?”, “Are you well?”, and—especially after time apart—“How have you been?”.
A short answer is perfectly natural unless the speaker is a close friend, family member, or someone who is specifically concerned about your health.
How to Pronounce お元気ですか and Its Replies
お・げ・ん・き・で・す・か
o-ge-n-ki-de-su-ka
元気です
げ・ん・き・で・す
ge-n-ki-de-su
おかげさまで
お・か・げ・さ・ま・で
o-ka-ge-sa-ma-de
The moraic ん in げんき has its own beat. The vowel in です may sound light or partly devoiced in natural speech, but beginners should not forcefully delete it.
Avoid stressing one syllable heavily as you might in English. Japanese rhythm is usually more even.
What Does おかげさまで元気です Mean?
おかげさまで元気です is a warm, conventional reply meaning “I’m doing well, thank you” or “Thankfully, I’m well.”
thanks to your kindness/support
thankfully
I’m happy to say…
元気です
I’m well.
「お元気ですか？」「おかげさまで、元気です。」
“O-genki desu ka?” “Okagesama de, genki desu.”
“How are you?” “I’m doing well, thank you.”
It modestly expresses gratitude for support, good fortune, and the other person’s concern. English “thank you” or “thankfully” usually sounds more natural than a word-for-word translation.
Can You Reply with おかげさまで Alone?
Yes. In a familiar context, おかげさまで alone can imply that you are doing well.
A：お元気ですか？
Are you well?B：はい、おかげさまで。
Yes, thankfully. / Yes, I’m doing well, thank you.
おかげさまで、元気です is clearer for beginners.
はい、おかげさまで is concise and polished when the omitted meaning is obvious.
How to Say “And You?” After Your Reply
English learners often want to add “And you?” The most natural Japanese choice depends on your relationship.
〇〇さんはいかがですか？
How about you, [Name]-san?
Polite and simple:
〇〇さんは？
And you, [Name]-san?
Casual:
そっちは？
How about you? / How are things on your side?
Very casual:
君は？ / そっちはどう？
And you? / How about you?
Using あなた can sound distant, overly direct, or unnatural when you already know the person’s name.
A safe choice is 田中さんはいかがですか？
A：お元気ですか？
How have you been?B：おかげさまで元気です。先生はいかがですか？
I’m doing well, thank you. How about you, Teacher?
10 Polite Replies When You Are Doing Well
Yes, I’m well.
2. おかげさまで、元気です。
I’m doing well, thank you.
3. はい、元気にしています。
Yes, I’ve been doing well.
4. おかげさまで、元気に過ごしています。
Thankfully, I’ve been keeping well.
5. ありがとうございます。元気です。
Thank you. I’m well.
6. はい、変わらず元気です。
Yes, I’m as well as ever.
7. おかげさまで、家族もみんな元気です。
Thankfully, everyone in my family is well too.
8. はい、毎日元気に過ごしています。
Yes, I’ve been doing well every day.
9. おかげさまで、体調も良いです。
Thankfully, I’m in good physical condition.
10. 元気ですよ。お気遣いありがとうございます。
I’m doing well. Thank you for asking.
元気にしています describes how you have been living or doing over a period of time. It is especially natural after you have not spoken for a while.
Casual Replies to 元気？
Friends and family may shorten お元気ですか？ to 元気？, 元気だった？, or 元気にしてた？.
Yeah, I’m good.
元気元気！
I’m great! / Doing good!
まあ、元気かな。
Yeah, I guess I’m okay.
変わらないよ。
Same as always.
元気にしてたよ。
I’ve been doing well.
ぼちぼちだよ。
I’m getting by / not bad. — casual; especially associated with western Japan
なんとかやってる。
I’m managing somehow.
めっちゃ元気！
I’m doing great! — very casual
A：久しぶり！ 元気だった？
Long time no see! Have you been well?B：うん、元気だったよ。そっちは？
Yeah, I’ve been good. How about you?
はい、元気です sounds polite.
うん、元気だよ sounds friendly and casual.
How to Reply When You Are “So-So”
You do not have to pretend that everything is perfect. Japanese has several ways to give a moderate answer.
I’m so-so. / I’m doing okay.
まずまずです。
I’m doing reasonably well.
ぼちぼちです。
I’m getting along / not too bad. — conversational
普通です。
I’m okay / nothing unusual. — can sound flat depending on tone
なんとか元気にしています。
I’m managing to keep well.
良くも悪くもないです。
I’m neither particularly good nor bad.
With the right tone, it is a natural answer. If you want to sound warmer, add a small positive detail:
まあまあです。最近は少し忙しいですが、元気にしています。
How to Reply When You Are Tired or Busy
I’m well, but I’ve been a little tired lately.
体は元気ですが、仕事が忙しいです。
I’m physically well, but work is busy.
少し寝不足ですが、元気です。
I’m a little sleep-deprived, but I’m fine.
最近忙しいですが、なんとかやっています。
I’ve been busy lately, but I’m managing.
ちょっと疲れ気味です。
I’ve been feeling a little tired.
元気は元気ですが、少し休みたいです。
I’m okay, but I could use some rest.
元気は元気ですが acknowledges that you are basically well while preparing the listener for a qualification such as tiredness, stress, or busyness.
A：お元気ですか？
How have you been?B：はい、元気は元気ですが、最近仕事が忙しくて少し疲れています。
I’m basically well, but work has been busy lately, so I’m a little tired.
How to Reply When You Are Not Feeling Well
If you are ill or recovering, you can answer honestly without sounding abrupt.
Actually, I’ve been feeling unwell.
風邪をひいています。
I have a cold.
少し具合が悪いです。
I’m feeling a little unwell.
まだ本調子ではありません。
I’m not quite back to normal yet.
最近まで体調を崩していましたが、今はだいぶ良くなりました。
I was unwell until recently, but I’m much better now.
あまり元気ではありません。
I’m not feeling very well.
少し疲れていますが、大丈夫です。
I’m a little tired, but I’m okay.
A natural conversation usually gives a brief reason or softens the answer:
実は、少し風邪気味です。
Actually, I think I’m coming down with a cold.
When You Are Recovering
I’m much better now.
おかげさまで、順調に回復しています。
Thankfully, I’m recovering well.
まだ少し疲れますが、体調は良くなっています。
I still get a little tired, but my condition is improving.
ご心配をおかけしました。今は元気です。
I’m sorry to have worried you. I’m well now.
How to Reply When You Feel Sad, Stressed, or Discouraged
Because 元気 includes emotional vitality, the question may also invite an answer about your mood.
I’m physically well, but I’m feeling a little down.
最近ちょっと元気が出ません。
I haven’t had much energy lately.
少しストレスがたまっています。
I’ve been under some stress.
いろいろありますが、なんとかやっています。
A lot is going on, but I’m managing.
今日はあまり元気がありません。
I’m not feeling very lively today.
今は少し休みたい気分です。
I feel like I need some rest right now.
A polite phrase such as まあまあです, なんとか元気にしています, or いろいろありますが、大丈夫です lets you remain honest without explaining everything.
How Much Should You Say? Three Levels of Honesty
はい、元気です。
Yes, I’m well.
Level 2: Honest but general
最近少し忙しいですが、元気にしています。
I’ve been a little busy, but I’m doing well.
Level 3: Personal detail
実は先週体調を崩しましたが、今は回復しています。
Actually, I was unwell last week, but I’m recovering now.
Choose your reply according to closeness, setting, purpose, and your own comfort.
Replying to お元気でしたか: “Have You Been Well?”
お元気でしたか？ uses the past tense and looks back over the time since you last met or spoke.
Yes, I was well.
⇒ Correct, but may sound limited to a past period.
はい、元気にしていました。
Yes, I’ve been doing well.
おかげさまで、元気に過ごしていました。
Thankfully, I’ve been keeping well.
はい、変わらず元気です。
Yes, I’m still doing well.
はい、元気にしていました。今も元気です。
“Yes, I’ve been well, and I’m still doing well.”
A：お久しぶりです。お元気でしたか？
Long time no see. Have you been well?B：はい、おかげさまで元気にしていました。先生もお元気でしたか？
Yes, thankfully I’ve been doing well. Have you been well too, Teacher?
Replies When Someone Asks About Your Family
The other person may ask about a parent, partner, child, or entire family.
Is your family doing well?
お母様はお元気ですか？
Is your mother doing well?
皆さん、お元気ですか？
Is everyone doing well?
Natural Family Replies
Yes, thankfully everyone is well.
家族はみんな変わらず元気です。
Everyone in my family is as well as ever.
母も元気にしています。
My mother is doing well too.
父は少し体調を崩しましたが、今は元気です。
My father was a little unwell, but he is fine now.
子供たちは相変わらず元気いっぱいです。
The children are as full of energy as ever.
When you speak about your own family to someone outside the family, Japanese often avoids honorifying your own side. Therefore 家族は元気です is the standard reply.
Formal Replies for Teachers, Senior People, and Business Contacts
For a former teacher, senior acquaintance, client, or formal contact, you can make your reply more polished.
Thankfully, I have been keeping well.
お気遣いいただき、ありがとうございます。元気に過ごしております。
Thank you for your concern. I have been doing well.
おかげさまで、家族ともども元気にしております。
Thankfully, my family and I are doing well.
ありがとうございます。最近は忙しくしておりますが、元気です。
Thank you. I have been busy lately, but I am well.
おかげさまで、体調も回復いたしました。
Thankfully, I have recovered.
The humble verb おります lowers the speaker’s own action or state, making the reply suitable for formal correspondence and respectful conversation.
How to Ask Back Formally
Have you also been well, Teacher?
〇〇様はいかがお過ごしでしょうか。
How have you been, Mr./Ms. ○○?
皆様もお変わりなくお過ごしでしょうか。
I hope everyone has been keeping well.
〇〇様もお元気でお過ごしでしょうか。
Have you also been keeping well?
How to Reply in an Email, Letter, or Message
In writing, a natural response usually includes thanks, a brief update, and a question or good wish for the other person.
Friendly Email Reply
おかげさまで、元気に過ごしています。
田中さんもお元気ですか？
Long time no see. Thank you for contacting me.
I’ve been doing well, thankfully.
How have you been, Tanaka-san?
Formal Email Reply
おかげさまで、変わらず元気にしております。
〇〇様もお変わりなくお過ごしでしょうか。
It has been some time. Thank you for your message.
Thankfully, I have been keeping well.
I hope you have also been doing well.
Reply After an Illness
一時は体調を崩しておりましたが、現在はだいぶ回復しております。
Thank you for your concern.
I was unwell for a time, but I have now recovered considerably.
Depending on the situation, phrases such as ご無沙汰しております, お変わりなくお過ごしでしょうか, or a direct business opening may fit better.
Replies for Text Messages and Social Media
I’m good! How about you?
元気元気😊 久しぶり！
I’m great! Long time no see!
まあまあかな。最近ちょっと忙しい。
I’m okay, I guess. I’ve been a little busy lately.
なんとかやってるよ。連絡ありがとう！
I’m managing. Thanks for messaging me!
今は元気！先週は風邪ひいてた。
I’m fine now! I had a cold last week.
相変わらず元気だよ笑
I’m as energetic as ever, lol.
With someone you do not know well, add です: 元気です！
元気です vs 大丈夫です vs まあまあです
These three replies can overlap in English, but they answer different kinds of questions.
I’m well; I have my usual health and vitality.
大丈夫です
I’m okay; there is no serious problem; I do not need help.
まあまあです
I’m so-so; things are acceptable but not especially good.
For a neutral “I’m well,” 元気です is more direct.
⇒ 元気です。
I’m well.
さっき転びましたよね。大丈夫ですか？
⇒ はい、大丈夫です。
Yes, I’m okay.
最近の調子はどうですか？
⇒ まあまあです。
I’m doing so-so.
はい、元気です vs ええ、元気です
Clear, polite, standard, and beginner-friendly.
ええ、元気です。
Yes, I’m well.
Softer and conversational; suitable in many polite conversations.
うん、元気だよ。
Yeah, I’m good.
Casual.
はい clearly acknowledges or answers.
ええ often sounds softer and more conversational, but its suitability depends on tone and setting.
Beginners can safely use はい.
When Is お元気ですか Naturally Used?
お元気ですか is often natural when you genuinely check on someone’s general condition, especially after time apart or in correspondence.
・meeting a teacher or acquaintance after a long time
・writing to a former host family
・contacting an older relative
・asking about someone after illness
・starting a warm personal email or letter
・asking how a person or their family has been
Asking お元気ですか every day may sound unusually deliberate because it asks about the person’s health and condition.
It is especially natural after some time apart or when you have a reason to check in.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Mistake 1: Saying お元気です About Yourself
○ はい、元気です。
Mistake 2: Repeating 私は When It Is Obvious
私は元気です。
Natural short reply:
元気です。
Mistake 3: Saying あなたは？ Automatically
Use the person’s name or title when possible.
あなたは？
Safer:
田中さんは？
先生はいかがですか？
Mistake 4: Giving a Long Medical Explanation to a Social Greeting
A short reply is enough unless the relationship or context invites more detail.
Mistake 5: Saying いいえ、元気じゃありません Too Abruptly
Soften it with 実は, 少し, or a brief explanation.
実は、少し体調を崩しています。
Actually, I’ve been feeling a little unwell.
Mistake 6: Copying “Fine, Thank You, and You?” Word for Word
Japanese does not require a fixed formula. You can sound natural by choosing a reply that matches your real condition and asking back with the person’s name.
おかげさまで元気です。鈴木さんはいかがですか？
I’m doing well, thank you. How about you, Suzuki-san?
Complete Dialogue Examples
1. Polite Reunion
佐藤：お久しぶりです。お元気ですか？
Ohisashiburi desu. O-genki desu ka?
Long time no see. How have you been?リー：はい、おかげさまで元気です。佐藤さんはいかがですか？
Hai, okagesama de genki desu. Satō-san wa ikaga desu ka?
Yes, I’m doing well, thank you. How about you, Sato-san?佐藤：私も元気です。
Watashi mo genki desu.
I’m well too.
2. Casual Friends
アキ：久しぶり！ 元気だった？
Long time no see! Have you been well?ミカ：うん、元気だったよ。アキは？
Yeah, I’ve been good. How about you?アキ：まあまあ。最近ちょっと忙しい。
So-so. I’ve been a little busy lately.
3. Not Feeling Well
先生：お元気ですか？
How are you?学生：ありがとうございます。実は少し風邪気味ですが、大丈夫です。
Thank you. Actually, I have a slight cold, but I’m okay.先生：そうですか。無理をしないでくださいね。
I see. Please don’t push yourself.
4. Reply About Family
田中：ご家族はお元気ですか？
Is your family doing well?ジョン：はい、おかげさまでみんな元気です。田中さんのご家族はいかがですか？
Yes, thankfully everyone is well. How is your family, Tanaka-san?田中：こちらもみんな元気です。
Everyone on our side is well too.
5. Formal Email Exchange
山田：ご無沙汰しております。その後、お元気でお過ごしでしょうか。
It has been some time. I hope you have been well since then.リー：ご連絡ありがとうございます。おかげさまで、変わらず元気にしております。山田様もお変わりなくお過ごしでしょうか。
Thank you for your message. Thankfully, I have been keeping well. I hope you have also been doing well.
6. Honest but Private
友達：最近、元気？
How have you been lately?あなた：いろいろあるけど、なんとかやってるよ。心配してくれてありがとう。
A lot is going on, but I’m managing. Thanks for checking on me.
30 Ready-to-Use Replies to お元気ですか
1. はい、元気です。— Yes, I’m well.
2. おかげさまで、元気です。— I’m doing well, thank you.
3. はい、変わらず元気です。— I’m as well as ever.
4. 元気に過ごしています。— I’ve been doing well.
5. 毎日元気にしています。— I’ve been keeping well every day.
6. ありがとうございます。とても元気です。— Thank you. I’m very well.
7. おかげさまで、体調も良いです。— Thankfully, I’m feeling well.
8. 家族ともども元気です。— My family and I are well.
Neutral or so-so
9. まあまあです。— I’m so-so.
10. まずまずです。— I’m doing reasonably well.
11. なんとか元気にしています。— I’m managing to keep well.
12. ぼちぼちです。— I’m getting along.
13. 良くも悪くもないです。— Neither especially good nor bad.
14. 相変わらずです。— Same as always.
Busy or tired
15. 元気ですが、最近忙しいです。— I’m well, but I’ve been busy.
16. 少し疲れていますが、元気です。— I’m a little tired, but I’m fine.
17. 最近寝不足ですが、大丈夫です。— I’ve been short on sleep, but I’m okay.
18. 忙しいですが、なんとかやっています。— I’m busy, but I’m managing.
19. ちょっと疲れ気味です。— I’ve been feeling a little tired.
Not feeling well
20. 実は、少し体調を崩しています。— Actually, I’ve been unwell.
21. 風邪をひいています。— I have a cold.
22. まだ本調子ではありません。— I’m not quite back to normal.
23. あまり元気ではありません。— I’m not feeling very well.
24. 最近まで体調を崩していましたが、今は良くなりました。— I was unwell, but I’m better now.
Casual
25. うん、元気だよ。— Yeah, I’m good.
26. 元気元気！— I’m great!
27. まあまあかな。— I’m okay, I guess.
28. なんとかやってる。— I’m managing.
29. 相変わらず元気だよ。— I’m as good as ever.
30. めっちゃ元気！— I’m doing great!
はい、元気です。〇〇さんは？
“Yes, I’m well. How about you, [Name]-san?”
It is short enough to remember and natural enough for most polite conversations.
FAQ About Replying to お元気ですか
What is the simplest reply to お元気ですか?
The simplest polite reply is はい、元気です, meaning “Yes, I’m well.”
Can I say お元気です as my reply?
Do not normally add the honorific お when talking about your own condition. Say 元気です. The form お元気です may respectfully describe someone else.
What does おかげさまで元気です mean?
It means “I’m doing well, thank you” or “Thankfully, I’m well.” おかげさまで expresses gratitude and modestly acknowledges support or good fortune.
How do I say “and you?” in Japanese?
Use the person’s name or title when possible: 田中さんは？ or 先生はいかがですか？. Casual friends may say そっちは？.
Can I answer まあまあです?
Yes. まあまあです means “I’m so-so” or “I’m doing okay.” It sounds neutral rather than strongly positive.
How do I reply if I am sick?
You can say 実は、少し体調を崩しています (“Actually, I’ve been feeling unwell”) or state the problem briefly, such as 風邪をひいています (“I have a cold”).
How do I reply if I am tired but otherwise okay?
Say 少し疲れていますが、元気です, meaning “I’m a little tired, but I’m fine.”
What is a formal business reply?
A polished reply is おかげさまで、変わらず元気にしております, meaning “Thankfully, I have been keeping well.”
Should I ask お元気ですか every day?
It is usually more natural as a genuine check-in, especially after time apart or in a message. For daily encounters, ordinary greetings such as おはようございます are often sufficient.
What is the difference between 元気です and 大丈夫です?
元気です says you are well and have your usual vitality. 大丈夫です reassures the listener that you are okay, there is no serious problem, or you do not need help.
Can I reply with only おかげさまで?
Yes. When the meaning is clear, はい、おかげさまで naturally implies “Yes, I’m doing well, thank you.”
How do I answer お元気でしたか?
You can say はい、元気にしていました (“Yes, I’ve been doing well”) or はい、変わらず元気です (“Yes, I’m still doing well”).
Summary: How to Reply to お元気ですか
はい、元気です。
Yes, I’m well.
● Warm polite reply
おかげさまで、元気です。
I’m doing well, thank you.
● Ask “and you?”
〇〇さんはいかがですか？
How about you, [Name]-san?
● Casual reply
うん、元気だよ。そっちは？
Yeah, I’m good. How about you?
● So-so
まあまあです。
I’m doing okay.
● Tired but okay
少し疲れていますが、元気です。
I’m a little tired, but I’m fine.
● Not feeling well
実は、少し体調を崩しています。
Actually, I’ve been feeling a little unwell.
● Formal reply
おかげさまで、変わらず元気にしております。
Thankfully, I have been keeping well.
● Key politeness rule
Ask about the other person with お元気, but describe yourself with 元気.
Start with はい、元気です. Then learn one reply for “so-so,” one for “tired,” and one for “not feeling well.”
That small set will let you answer honestly and naturally in most real conversations.
References
- Cambridge Japanese–English Dictionary: お元気ですか — greeting meaning and example reply.
- Kotobank: 元気 — meanings covering vitality, health, and lively condition.
- Kotobank: おかげさま — expression of gratitude for another person’s kindness or support.
- Kotobank Japanese–English Dictionary: 元気 — translations and the exchange 「お元気ですか」「おかげ様で元気です」.
- Japanese for Care Navi: お久しぶりです — example combining a reunion greeting with お元気ですか.