Here's a quick lesson.
ka = a question mark.
For example, "genki desu" literally translates to "I am healthy" or "I am fine/okay/good."
genki = healthy
desu = am (subject is implied.)
So, "genki desu ka" literally translates to "are you healthy?" In other words
genki desu ka? = How are you?
genki desu = I am fine.
And even though Japanese is very simple, in terms of pronunciation, there's still 1 or 2 tricks. For example, most characters that end in u (like ku, su, and tsu) and a few others that DON'T end in u (like shi for example) aren't pronounced fully. (There are exceptions)
They're cut short, you know?
example:
Wakarimashita = I understand.
Pronounced wa KA ri MA shTA
Kuso = OH CRAP! (i.e. expression of disappointment.)
Pronounced K'saaw
Shimatta = same thing as kuso, basically
Pronounced shMA-tah
Wakarimashitaka?
I actually don't know all that much, either, lol.