When someone asks how you are in casual Japanese, you can choose a short, natural reply instead of a long explanation. In this workshop you will learn three common answers, hear how a short exchange flows, and practice both asking and answering. You will also check your understanding of a partner’s reply and finish by recalling the whole exchange with the roles swapped.
Three short answers to “How are you?”
The question «元気？» is a casual way to ask how someone is doing. A positive answer is «元気だよ。», which means you are doing well. A neutral answer is «まあまあかな。», which means things are so-so. A tired answer is «ちょっと疲れてる。», which means you are a bit tired. These replies are short and natural. Choose the one that matches how you feel, then say it clearly. You do not need to add extra details in this beginner exchange.
A short exchange: question, answer, follow-up
In this scene, speaker A asks «元気？», which means “How are you?” Speaker B answers with «まあまあかな。そっちは？», which means “So-so, I guess. How about you?” Speaker A then answers «ちょっと疲れてる。», which means “A bit tired.” Speaker B responds with «そうなんだ。大変だね。», which means “Oh, I see. That sounds tough.” Notice the order: question, answer with a return question, answer, and a sympathetic follow-up. The follow-up comes after the answer, not before the question.
Choosing a reply and keeping the exchange moving
You can answer with «元気だよ。» when you feel good, «まあまあかな。» when you feel neutral, or «ちょっと疲れてる。» when you feel tired. After your answer, you can return the question with the casual question «元気？». If your partner answers with «ちょっと疲れてる。», a natural follow-up is «そうなんだ。大変だね。», which shows you heard that they are tired. Keep your reply short and match the other person’s tone. In this beginner exchange, a simple answer and a short follow-up are enough.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
元気だよ。
I'm doing well.
Genki da yo.
まあまあかな。
So-so, I guess.
Maa maa kana.
ちょっと疲れてる。
A bit tired.
Chotto tsukareteru.
元気？
How are you? (casual)
Genki?
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
元気？
How are you?まあまあかな。そっちは？
So-so, I guess. How about you?ちょっと疲れてる。
A bit tired.そうなんだ。大変だね。
Oh, I see. That sounds tough.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided exchange: ask and answer
Work with a partner or play both roles with the audio. One person asks the casual question, and the other answers with a feeling that matches the reply.
Your task: Partner 1 says the casual question «元気？». Partner 2 answers with the positive reply «元気だよ。». Then Partner 2 returns the question with «元気？», and Partner 1 answers with the tired reply «ちょっと疲れてる。». Finally, Partner 2 gives the sympathetic follow-up «そうなんだ。大変だね。».
Reply comprehension: choose the matching answer
Read the situation and choose the reply that matches what the speaker says. The speaker is answering a question about how they are doing.
Your task: Speaker A says «ちょっと疲れてる。». Which reply fits as a follow-up? Choice 1: «元気だよ。». Choice 2: «そうなんだ。大変だね。». Choice 3: «元気？». Choose one, then say the full follow-up aloud.
Recall the exchange with swapped roles
Cover the lines and recall the short exchange from memory. Then swap roles so the other person asks first.
Your task: Partner 1 asks «元気？». Partner 2 answers with «まあまあかな。そっちは？». Partner 1 answers with «ちょっと疲れてる。». Partner 2 responds with «そうなんだ。大変だね。». After one full round, swap roles: Partner 2 asks «元気？», Partner 1 answers with «まあまあかな。そっちは？», Partner 2 answers with «ちょっと疲れてる。», and Partner 1 responds with «そうなんだ。大変だね。».
Common questions
Can I use any of the three replies at any time?
Yes. «元気だよ。», «まあまあかな。», and «ちょっと疲れてる。» are all short answers to the casual question «元気？». Choose the one that matches how you feel. If you are not sure, «まあまあかな。» is a neutral choice.
What should I say after my partner says they are tired?
A natural follow-up is «そうなんだ。大変だね。», which shows you heard that they are tired. Say it after their answer, not before the question. Keep your tone calm and sympathetic.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: respond to how are youChecked September 2026
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