CptSlow 0 Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 Hi guys, I have been learning a bit of Japanese for when I come over end of the year as I would like to be a polite tourist and communicate in Japanese and I love the challenge. My question is about two different phrases, my Lonely Planet says one thing and I have also read a few other meanings, so please can you clarify what the below two phrases mean? O-genki desu ka? Hajime mashite? I have little notes stuck all over my house so everyday I can memorise them he he Link to post Share on other sites
Jynxx 4 Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 How are you? ( you are going ok? (healthy and with vitality)) How do you do. standard introduction. Link to post Share on other sites
CptSlow 0 Posted August 3, 2010 Author Share Posted August 3, 2010 So do I need to use them both? Link to post Share on other sites
jared 0 Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 You see Hajime mashite in all the books but you dont hear anyone actually say it. All the people I met say Yoroshiku (for short) or yoroshuku onegai shimasu (in full). It's something you say when you meet someone for the first time. Similar to nice to meet you in use, but not really similar in meaning. genki desu ka? can be directly substituted to how are you? and can be used in the same situations. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 "Hajime mashite" is really only used when you meet people for the frst time. So if you are introduced to someone, then you can say "Hajime Mashite". "Genki" is more like "How you doing?" and can be used daily. Maybe be a bit weird if you go　around saying "genki desuka" to every Tom, Dick and Harry though, only say it to people you already know. Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 You would use hajime mashite and probably add yoroshiku onegaishimasu when meeting someone for the first time. After that you would just use standard greetings like ohayo gozaimasu, konichiwa, konbanwa etc and genki des ka on subsequent meetings. Link to post Share on other sites
CptSlow 0 Posted August 4, 2010 Author Share Posted August 4, 2010 Cool thanks for the help. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted August 6, 2010 Share Posted August 6, 2010 I use "genki desu ka" way too much I reckon. I need some variation on that when I meet someone or give them a call...... Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted August 6, 2010 Share Posted August 6, 2010 Originally Posted By: muikabochi I use "genki desu ka" way too much I reckon. I need some variation on that when I meet someone or give them a call...... ãŠå…ƒæ°—ã‹ã„ã„。 Link to post Share on other sites
pie-eater 207 Posted August 7, 2010 Share Posted August 7, 2010 just say domo Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted August 7, 2010 Share Posted August 7, 2010 Originally Posted By: RobBright 元気ã‹ã„？ fixed it for ya Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted August 8, 2010 Share Posted August 8, 2010 Originally Posted By: Creek Boy Originally Posted By: RobBright 元気ã‹ã„？ fixed it for ya What was I trying to say? Link to post Share on other sites
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