10+ Ways to Say “What’s Up” in Japanese

“What’s up?” is any such common-place and informal greeting, however it may be unusually laborious to translate into different languages.

The literal translation in Japanese can be 上に何がある? (ue ni nani ga aru?), which might make no sense to Japanese audio system.

They might almost certainly simply glance up on the sky perplexed!

It’s fascinating how the phrase “up” in English has come to refer to “one thing that is happening”.

On this article, we’ll discover how to say “what’s up?” in a Japanese context.

 

 

“What’s up?” as a query

Listed below are some identical words to “what’s up?” in Japanese.

Those words are questions that are supposed to be spoke back non-rhetorically, however all of them categorical an hobby in how the opposite particular person is doing, or what’s happening with them. 

 

元気? / 元気ですか？(Genki? / Genki desuka?)

It is a query that may be requested when you haven’t observed the opposite particular person in a very long time or in the event that they’ve been in poor health. The phrase 元気 (genki) interprets to one thing like “just right well being” or “having power”. 

The kanji for 元気 is exclusive as a result of 元(gen) method ”foundation” and 気(ki) method “feeling”. This phrase represents the power and feeling coming from deep inside you.

In English, 元気？can also be identical to “How have you ever been?”. It may also be like “What’s up?”.

The individual can both solution rhetorically with a 元気です。 or with an elaboration of what they’ve been up to. 元気？ may also be used officially with the addition of ですか.

 

Examples:

This query and solution displays how the word is used in an off-the-cuff context, the place two pals haven’t observed every different in some time. 

 

Q:　さち！久しぶり、元気？

Sachi! Hisashiburi, genki?

Sachi! Very long time no see, how have you ever been? (what’s up?)

 

A:　元気だよ！ゆりは？

Genki dayo! Yuri wa?

I’m positive! And also you, Yuri?

However, it may also be used in extra formal contexts with the addition of ですか.

On this instance, you’ll be able to additionally see how the solution to this can also be expanded to provide an explanation for what you’ve been up to. 

 

Q：田中さん！お久しぶりです！元気ですか？

Tanaka san! Ohisashiburi desu! Genki desuka?

Mr. Tanaka! Very long time no see! How have you ever been? 

 

A：はい、元気です。でも最近とても仕事が忙しいです。

Hai, genki desu. Demo saikin totemo shigoto ga isogashii desu.

Sure, I’m smartly. However this present day my paintings has been very busy.

 

調子どう？/ 調子どうですか？(Choushi dou? / Choushi wa dou desuka?)

This word is particularly helpful if any person has been having a difficult time or the most important tournament is bobbing up.

It actually interprets to one thing like “How’s your situation?”. This word may also be used in extra formal contexts with ですか.

 

Examples:

In the event you see your good friend taking a look gloomy after a difficult day of coaching for a marathon, you have to say:

 

Q: 健太、調子どう？

Kenta, choushi dou?

Kenta, how are you feeling? (what’s up?)

 

A: マラソンの準備が間に合わない気がする。

Marason no junbi ga ma ni awanai kigasuru.

I believe I’m falling in the back of with the preparation for the marathon. 

This word may also be used when any person is feeling in poor health, to ask about their situation. 

 

Q: 調子どう？かぜは良くなった？

Choushi dou? Kaze wa yoku natta?

How are you feeling? Is your chilly higher?

 

A: 調子だいぶ良くなってきた。

Choushi daibu yoku natte kita.

I’m beginning to really feel significantly better.

 

It may also be used in a extra formal method via including ですか. In the event you’re asking a qualified athlete about how they’re feeling in regards to the sport nowadays, you have to say:

 

Q: 一郎さん、今日の調子はどうですか？

Ichirou san, kyou no choushi wa dou desuka?

Mr. Ichirou, how’s your situation nowadays?

 

A: やれる事はやったので、あとはベストを尽くします。

Yareru koto wa yatta no de, ato wa besuto o tsukushimasu.

I’ve carried out what I will, so all I will do now’s to take a look at my best.

 

今何してる？(Ima nani shiteru?)

From time to time while you ask “what’s up?”, you’re attempting to in finding out what the opposite particular person is up to. This manner, you’ll be able to make plans with them to do one thing.

In Japanese, it’s imaginable to be extra direct and ask them “ima nani shiteru?”.

This implies “what are you doing now?”. That is higher to be used amongst shut pals or circle of relatives as a result of it is extremely direct. 

 

Examples:

In the event you’re asking what any person’s doing now, it’s frequently requested via both textual content or telephone. Here’s an instance of a textual content message it’s possible you’ll ship:

Q: さち、今何してる？暇だったらランチ行かない？

Sachi, ima nani shiteru? Hima dattara ranchi ikanai?

Sachi, what’s up? In the event you’re free, wanna opt for lunch?

 

A: 今家でゆっくりしてる。ランチ行こう！

Ima ie de yukkuri shiteru. Ranchi ikou!

I’m simply enjoyable at house. Let’s opt for lunch!

 

Here’s an instance in the case of a telephone name. You’d most likely use it via including moshi moshi initially of the word.

 

Q: もしもし、ゆり？今何してる？

Moshi moshi yuri? Ima nanishiteru?

Hi there! Yuri? What’s up?

 

A: もしもし、特に何もしてないけど。さきは？

Moshi moshi, toku ni nanimo shitenaikedo. Saki wa?

Hello! I’m no longer doing the rest in explicit. What about you, Saki?

 

今忙しい？(Ima isogashii?)

This is the same to 今何してる？nevertheless it method “Are you busy at the moment?”.

That is best used amongst shut family and friends, as a result of it might come throughout as impolite in formal scenarios. It may be like an off-the-cuff “what’s up?”, to in finding out in case your good friend is free to hang around.

 

Examples:

This word may paintings when you stumble upon your good friend in class and you wish to have to know in the event that they could be free to hang around.

 

Q: 太郎! 今忙しい？飯いかない？

Tarou! Ima isogashii? Meshi ikanai?

Tarou! Are you busy now? (what’s up?) Wanna opt for meals?

 

A: 今テスト勉強しないとまずい。また今度行こう！

Ima tesuto benkyou shinaito mazui. Mata kondo ikou!

I truly have to learn about for a check at the moment. Let’s move every other time!

 

It’s additionally imaginable to use this in a telephone name. You’ll make certain the opposite particular person isn’t desirous about one thing, ahead of you get started the dialog

 

Q: もしもし！さち？今忙しい？相談したいことがあるんだけど。

Moshi moshi! Sachi? Ima isogashii? Soudan shitai koto ga arunda kedo.

Hi there! Sachi? Are you busy now? (what’s up?) I would like your recommendation on one thing.

 

A: もしもし！今何もしてないよ！どうしたの？

Moshi moshi! Ima nani mo shitenai yo! Doushita no?

Hi there! I’m no longer doing the rest at the moment! What came about?

 

最近どう？(Saikin dou?)

This word method “How are you doing this present day?”. It may be used like “what’s up?” as it’s an off-the-cuff method to in finding out what any person has been up to.

It’s essential to be aware that this will have to handiest be used when you haven’t observed or talked with the opposite particular person in some time. 

 

Examples:

 

Q: さきちゃん！久しぶり。最近どう？

Saki chan! Hisashiburi. Saikin dou?

Saki! It’s been some time. How are you doing this present day? (What’s up?)

 

A: 本当に久しぶりだね。最近引っ越しで忙しかった。

Hontou ni hisashiburi dane. Saikin hikkoshi de isogashikatta.

It’s truly been awhile. I used to be busy with transferring this present day. 

 

“What’s up?” as a greeting

The former words had been all question-based words that wanted a concrete solution.

Since “what’s up?” may also be a rhetorical query, I’ve additionally integrated non-question words that give off a identical vibe to “what’s up?”.

Those are all casual and the opposite particular person will most often reply with the similar word. 

 

おっす(Ossu)

This interprets to one thing like “‘sup”, and it’s most commonly used amongst males. This can be a slang that can be utilized together with your shut male pals.

Within the Japanese language, there’s a other taste of speech relying for your gender. Using vocabulary and grammar can also be other amongst women and men.

 

おっす！バスケしない？

Ossu! Basuke shinai?

Sup! Wanna move play basketball?

 

よっ (Yo) 

It is a quick and informal method to say “what’s up?”. It sounds extra masculine so it’s most often used amongst males. 

 

よっ！健太、久しぶり！

Yo! Kenta, hisashiburi!

Sup! Kenta, very long time no see!

 

ヤッホー (yahhoo)

It is a a laugh method to say “what’s up?” that can be utilized via each genders. It offers off a pleasant and informal vibe. It’s very casual so make certain you handiest use it together with your shut pals!

 

ヤッホー！りなちゃん! 今からランチいくけど、一緒に行かない？

Yahhoo! Rina chan, ima kara ranchi ikukedo, issho ni ikanai?

What’s up? Rina! I’m going to move to lunch now, however wanna come?

 

どうも　(doumo)

It is a widespread greeting that also is very informal. Chances are you’ll already be aware of dōmo kun, the nature who’s name comes from this word!

Even though it might probably additionally mean “thanks”, it has come to be used as a “what’s up?” sort greeting. It’s most often used on its own and others will answer with the similar greeting.

 

どうも！

Doumo!

What’s up?

 

Head nod 

The Japanese tradition makes use of quite a lot of levels of bowing or nodding the top as the most important a part of frame language.

For instance, a 90-degree head bow is used for an excessively deep apology, or a 45-degree head bow is used in carrier industries to display recognize to their shoppers. 

On the subject of “what’s up?”, it’s additionally imaginable to be in contact non-verbally via nodding the top somewhat.

This might be typical amongst males who’re aware of every different and provides off a fab vibe.

 

“What’s up?” for small communicate

The word “what’s up?” is usually a handy method to get started small communicate and open up conversations. It could possibly permit the individual being requested to both say one thing if truth be told happening in their existence.

In the event that they’re no longer feeling it, they are able to merely solution with a brief answer or a “what’s up?” again. 

In Japan, there’s a other idea of small communicate and folks don’t ask too many direct or non-public questions.

As an alternative of asking “what’s up?” to an acquaintance or neighbor, it’s almost certainly more secure to make basic statements in regards to the environment. 

It’s essential to stay in thoughts that in Japanese, it’s vital to be extra aware of the degrees of closeness and politeness you will have to be with people.

In English, it wouldn’t be impolite to say “what’s up?” to your subsequent door neighbor while you stumble upon every different throwing out the trash.

In Japan, when you’re no longer too shut, you will have to be respectful and make certain to use well mannered language.

Examples of the way to make small communicate with out asking “what’s up?” would possibly come with statements in regards to the climate:

 

今日の天気いいですね！

Kyou no tenki ii desu ne!

As of late’s climate is so great!

寒くなってきましたね。

Samuku natte kimashitane.

It’s getting very chilly this present day.

 

You might want to additionally touch upon their youngsters or pets in the event that they’re rising larger. 

 

お子さん大きくなりましたね！

Okosan ookiku nari mashitane!

Your kid has grown such a lot!

 

As you’ll be able to see, those words can invite the opposite particular person to reply to the subject with out feeling like they have got to solution a non-public query.

Till you get very shut to the opposite particular person, it’s best to steer clear of asking “what’s up?” in the sense of what they’ve been up to.

On the other hand, when you haven’t observed the opposite particular person in a very long time it’s nonetheless well mannered to ask 元気ですか or if they have got been in poor health, 調子はどうですか？.

Those two words use ですか which makes it well mannered and it displays that you just care in regards to the different particular person!

 

Why is “what’s up?” tricky to translate?

Ohe of the primary the reason why it’s so laborious to translate this word is as a result of it may be used in all kinds of contexts. 

“What’s up?” is usually a rhetorical query, the place the individual asking isn’t on the lookout for an actual solution.

It’s typical to solution, “not anything a lot” or “simply chilling”, as a substitute of going thru the whole lot that’s actually happening together with your existence.

It is a tricky idea for non-English audio system to take hold of. 

As opposed to a quite rhetorical query, it may be used as some way to in finding out what the opposite particular person is up to, or to take a look at how they’re feeling. 

Sadly, in Japanese there isn’t only one word that would seize the meaning of “what’s up?”. As an alternative, it’s essential to use quite a lot of words for various scenarios.

 

Pay attention, apply, and have interaction!

It may be complicated with such a lot of tactics to say “what’s up?”. Working out which word to use is hard when there could also be a cultural distinction.

Be certain to concentrate to how Japanese local audio system communicate with every different to perceive how the words paintings in real-life contexts.

Additionally, don’t disregard to apply and have interaction in Japanese up to you’ll be able to!