How to Say Hello in Japanese: A Complete Guide to Japanese Greetings

If you're learning Japanese or planning a trip to Japan, one of the first things you'll need to know is how to say "hello." Japanese greetings vary based on formality, time of day, and the relationship between speakers. In this guide, we'll cover everything from basic greetings to casual slang and greetings for specific situations.

How to Say Hello in Japanese - Basic Greetings

Here are some of the most common ways to say "hello" in Japanese:

• Konnichiwa (こんにちは) - Pronounced "Kohn-nee-chee-wah."

This is the standard way to say "hello" in Japanese and is commonly used throughout the day in both formal and informal situations.

• Ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます) - Pronounced "Oh-ha-yo go-zai-mas."

This is a polite way to say "good morning" and is typically used in professional or respectful settings.

• Ohayou (おはよう) – Pronounced "Oh-ha-yo."

A casual way to say "good morning" among friends and family.

• Konbanwa (こんばんは) – Pronounced "Kohn-bahn-wah."

This greeting is specifically for evening and nighttime interactions.

• Oyasumi nasai (おやすみなさい) – Pronounced "O-ya-su-mi na-sai."

A polite way to say "good night," often used when saying farewell before bedtime or ending an evening gathering.

• Hajimemashite (はじめまして) – Pronounced "Ha-ji-me-ma-shi-te."

Used when meeting someone for the first time, meaning "Nice to meet you."

• Moshi moshi (もしもし) – Pronounced "Moh-shee moh-shee."

This greeting is specifically for answering or making phone calls.

Informal and Casual Greetings

If you're talking to close friends or younger people, you can use these casual greetings:

• Yaa (やあ) – Pronounced "Yah."

A very casual greeting similar to "hey" in English, mainly used among close friends.

• Yo (よう) – Pronounced "Yo." A slangy, informal way to say "hi" among young people.

• Chiissu (ちーっす) – Pronounced "Chee-ssu."

A laid-back way to say "hey," often used by young people.

• Uissu (うぃーす) – Pronounced "Wee-su."

A casual and cheerful greeting, often used among men.

• Haro (ハロー) – Pronounced "Ha-ro."

A Japanese adaptation of the English "hello," often used playfully or in a humorous context.

Japanese Greetings for Specific Situations

In different social contexts, certain greetings are more appropriate in Japanese culture:

Pronunciation and Description

• Irasshaimase (いらっしゃいませ) – Pronounced "Ee-ra-shai-ma-se."

A polite and formal greeting used by shop staff to welcome customers.

• Tadaima (ただいま) – Pronounced "Ta-da-ee-ma."

Said upon returning home to indicate "I'm back."

• Okaerinasai (おかえりなさい) – Pronounced "O-ka-e-ri-na-sai."

A warm response to "Tadaima," meaning "Welcome home."

• Ittekimasu (いってきます) – Pronounced "It-te-ki-mas."

Said when leaving home, meaning "I'm heading out."

• Itterasshai (いってらっしゃい) – Pronounced "It-te-ra-sshai."

A response to "Ittekimasu," meaning "Take care."

• Ojamashimasu (おじゃまします) – Pronounced "O-ja-ma-shi-mas."

A phrase used when entering someone's home, meaning "Excuse me for intruding."

• Ohisashiburi desu (おひさしぶりです) – Pronounced "O-hi-sa-shi-bu-ri desu."

Used when seeing someone after a long time, similar to "Long time no see."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most common way to say hello in Japanese?

The most common greeting is "Konnichiwa," which is used during the daytime in both formal and informal settings.

2. How do I greet someone over the phone in Japanese?

The standard way to answer or greet someone over the phone in Japanese is "Moshi moshi."

3. Can I use "Konnichiwa" in the morning?

No, in the morning, it is more appropriate to say "Ohayou gozaimasu" (standard) or "Ohayou" (casual). "Konnichiwa" is generally used from late morning to early evening, typically after 10 AM until around sunset. It is suitable for both formal and informal settings.

4. What is the difference between "Ittekimasu" and "Itterasshai"?

"Ittekimasu" is said by the person leaving home, while "Itterasshai" is the response from those staying behind, meaning "Take care."

5. Do Japanese people bow when greeting each other?

Yes, bowing is a common and respectful way to greet someone in Japanese culture, particularly in formal situations.

6. Is "Haro" a common greeting in Japan?

"Haro" is a borrowed word from English and is used in playful or humorous situations but is not as commonly used as traditional Japanese greetings.

Conclusion

Mastering Japanese greetings helps you make a great first impression and show respect for the language and culture. Whether you're greeting a friend casually or addressing someone in a formal setting, using the right greeting can make all the difference. Want to improve your Japanese even further? Try Sakuraspeak for interactive language learning and practice real-life conversations with ease!

The New, Fun, and Faster Way to Learn Japanese

If you want to find a faster and more convenient way to practise conversational Japanese, Sakuraspeak is your AI-powered conversational partner. It's one of the most efficient ways to become fluent at speaking Japanese. Practise beginner-friendly conversations without pressure - you can make mistakes freely and get instant feedback.