Meaning
A polite way to ask about someone's condition, opinion, or offer something.
Cultural Background
Using 'ikaga' is part of 'Kizukai' (consideration). It shows you are thinking about the other person's comfort. In meetings, 'ikaga desu ka' is used to avoid 'oshitsuke' (forcing one's opinion on others). In Kyoto, 'ikaga' can sometimes be part of a 'social dance' where an offer is made out of politeness but not necessarily meant to be accepted immediately. Staff are trained to use 'ikaga' to create a high-class atmosphere (Omotenashi).
The 'Wait' Rule
After asking 'いかがですか？', wait at least 2-3 seconds. In Japanese culture, silence is a polite way to give the other person time to think.
Don't over-use with friends
If you use this with your best friend, they might ask, 'Why are you being so weirdly formal?'
Meaning
A polite way to ask about someone's condition, opinion, or offer something.
The 'Wait' Rule
After asking 'いかがですか？', wait at least 2-3 seconds. In Japanese culture, silence is a polite way to give the other person time to think.
Don't over-use with friends
If you use this with your best friend, they might ask, 'Why are you being so weirdly formal?'
Answering 'Ikaga'
If someone offers you something with 'ikaga desu ka', a polite way to decline is '結構です' (Kekkō desu - I'm fine) or '大丈夫です' (Daijōbu desu).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to politely offer coffee to a guest.
コーヒーは（ ）か？
The full phrase is 'いかがですか'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: A doctor asking a patient how they feel.
'O-kagen' refers to one's physical condition or health.
Which of these is the MOST formal?
Asking for an opinion on a new plan.
'Deshō ka' is more formal and indirect than 'desu ka'.
Complete the dialogue in a clothing store.
Clerk: 「サイズは（ ）？」 Customer: 「ちょうどいいです。」
The clerk is asking for the customer's opinion on the fit.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Politeness Levels of 'How is it?'
Practice Bank
4 exercisesコーヒーは（ ）か？
The full phrase is 'いかがですか'.
Situation: A doctor asking a patient how they feel.
'O-kagen' refers to one's physical condition or health.
Asking for an opinion on a new plan.
'Deshō ka' is more formal and indirect than 'desu ka'.
Clerk: 「サイズは（ ）？」 Customer: 「ちょうどいいです。」
The clerk is asking for the customer's opinion on the fit.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it can be used for opinions, health, schedules, and any kind of suggestion.
Yes, it is the perfect phrase to use with a boss or superior.
'Ikaga' is the formal version of 'dō'. Use 'ikaga' in professional settings and 'dō' in casual ones.
Use the past tense: 'いかがでしたか？' (Ikaga deshita ka?).
Related Phrases
どうですか
similarHow is it? (Neutral-Polite)
いかがでしょうか
specialized formHow would it be? (Very Formal)
いかがなものか
specialized formQuestionable / Not so sure
お加減いかがですか
specialized formHow are you feeling?
