“How old are you” in Japanese is おいくつですか, pronounced o-ikutsu desu ka.
Pronunciation
The phrase has 7 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or use the play button above for the whole phrase:
How to use it
The polite way to ask someone’s age. 何歳ですか (nansai desu ka) is fine with children and friends. Asking adults their age directly can feel personal.
Example sentences
- 失礼ですが、おいくつですか。しつれいですが、おいくつですか。If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?
- 何歳？なんさい？How old are you? (casual)
Related forms
| Meaning | Japanese | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| casual | 何歳？ | なんさい？ nansai? |
Quick practice
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Related phrases
どちらからですかWhere are you from私もですMe tooまた明日See you tomorrow気をつけてTake careお疲れさまでしたGood jobおめでとうございますCongratulations良い一日をHave a nice dayいい夢をSweet dreams
FAQ
How do you say How old are you in Japanese?
How old are you in Japanese is おいくつですか, pronounced “o-ikutsu desu ka”.