How to Say “Hello” in Japanese
A Complete Guide for Beginners
Learning how to greet people properly is one of the first and most important steps when studying Japanese. While you might have heard こんにちは (konnichiwa) in anime or movies, Japanese greetings are much more nuanced and context-dependent than a simple “hello.” This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about saying hello in Japanese, from basic greetings to advanced cultural contexts.
Table of Contents
The Basics: Common Japanese Greetings
こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello/Good Afternoon
Pronunciation: kon-nee-chee-wa
When to use: This is the most well-known Japanese greeting, typically used during daytime hours (roughly from late morning to early evening). It’s polite and appropriate for most situations.
今日 (kyō) = today
は (wa) = topic marker particle
Example situations:
- Meeting a colleague during lunch break
- Greeting neighbors in the afternoon
- Starting a conversation with strangers during the day
While “konnichiwa” is widely recognized, it’s actually not used as frequently as other greetings in daily Japanese conversation. Native speakers often opt for more specific greetings based on time of day or situation.
Time-Based Greetings
Japanese culture places significant importance on time-appropriate greetings. Using the correct greeting shows cultural awareness and respect for social norms.
おはようございます (Ohayō gozaimasu) – Good Morning
Pronunciation: oh-ha-yoh go-zai-mas
When to use: From early morning until around 10-11 AM
Casual version: おはよう (ohayō) – used with close friends, family, or people younger than you
Kanji: 御早うございます
In Japanese workplaces, employees often say “ohayō gozaimasu” to each other even in the afternoon when they first meet that day. This is especially common in industries like entertainment or restaurants where people work irregular hours.
(Ohayō gozaimasu!)
(Ohayō gozaimasu. Ii tenki desu ne.)
“Good morning. Nice weather, isn’t it?”
こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good Evening
Pronunciation: kon-ban-wa
When to use: From early evening (around 6 PM) onwards
Kanji: 今晩は
Unlike English where we might say “good night” when greeting someone in the evening, “konbanwa” is specifically for greetings. “Oyasuminasai” is used when saying goodbye at night or before bed.
Formal vs. Casual Greetings
Understanding formality levels is crucial in Japanese communication. Using the wrong level can be considered rude or overly stiff.
やあ (Yā) / よう (Yō) – Hey
Formality: Very casual
When to use: Only with close friends or people significantly younger than you
Equivalent to: “Hey” or “Yo” in English
もしもし (Moshi moshi) – Hello (Phone Only)
Pronunciation: moh-shee moh-shee
When to use: Exclusively for phone conversations
Origin: Derived from 申す (mōsu), a humble form of “to say”
Never use “moshi moshi” for face-to-face greetings! This is one of the most common mistakes foreign learners make.
お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu) – Thank You for Your Hard Work
Pronunciation: oh-tsu-ka-reh-sa-ma des
When to use: In workplace settings, when acknowledging colleagues’ efforts
Casual version: お疲れ (otsukare)
Context: While not literally meaning “hello,” this is one of the most common greetings in Japanese workplaces. It can be used:
- When passing colleagues in the hallway
- When someone finishes a task
- At the end of the workday
- When acknowledging someone’s effort
Situational Greetings
久しぶり (Hisashiburi) – Long Time No See
Pronunciation: hee-sa-shee-boo-ree
Formal version: お久しぶりです (ohisashiburi desu)
When to use: When meeting someone you haven’t seen in a while
(Hisashiburi! Genki datta?)
“Long time no see! Have you been well?”
いらっしゃいませ (Irasshaimase) – Welcome
Pronunciation: ee-rah-shai-mah-seh
When to use: Used by staff to greet customers entering stores or restaurants
As a customer, you don’t need to respond to this greeting! Simply nod or smile in acknowledgment.
ただいま (Tadaima) – I’m Home
Pronunciation: ta-da-ee-ma
Response: お帰りなさい (okaerinasai) – “Welcome home”
When to use: When returning home
This greeting pair represents the warmth of Japanese home life and the importance of acknowledging one’s return to a safe space.
行ってきます (Ittekimasu) – I’m Leaving
Pronunciation: it-teh-kee-mas
Response: 行ってらっしゃい (itterasshai) – “Have a good trip/day”
When to use: When leaving home
失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu) – Excuse Me
Pronunciation: shi-tsu-ray shee-mas
When to use:
- When entering someone’s office or personal space
- When leaving before others (e.g., leaving work early)
- When interrupting a conversation
Literal meaning: “I’m being rude”
Body Language and Bowing
In Japan, greetings are not just verbal—proper body language is equally important.
The Japanese Bow (お辞儀 – Ojigi)
Three levels of bowing:
1. Eshaku (会釈) – 15-degree bow
- Casual greeting
- Passing acquaintances
- Brief acknowledgment
2. Keirei (敬礼) – 30-degree bow
- Standard formal greeting
- Business situations
- Showing respect
3. Saikeirei (最敬礼) – 45-degree bow
- Deep respect
- Apologies
- Gratitude for significant help
- Keep your back straight
- Bend from the waist
- Keep hands at sides (men) or clasped in front (women)
- Pause briefly at the lowest point
- Return to standing position smoothly
Don’t bow while shaking hands. In traditional Japanese culture, bowing replaces handshaking, though handshakes are becoming more common in international business settings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using “Konnichiwa” at the Wrong Time
Mistake: Saying “konnichiwa” first thing in the morning
Correction: Use “ohayō gozaimasu” instead
Why it matters: Time-appropriate greetings show cultural awareness and respect for social norms.
2. Using “Sayonara” Casually
Mistake: Saying “sayonara” when leaving work or saying goodbye to friends
Reality: “Sayonara” carries a sense of finality and is rarely used in daily conversation
Better alternatives:
- じゃあね (jā ne) – “See you” (casual)
- また明日 (mata ashita) – “See you tomorrow”
- またね (mata ne) – “See you later” (casual)
- 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu) – “Excuse me/I’ll be going” (formal)
3. Forgetting Honorifics
Mistake: Using casual greetings with superiors or customers
Correction: Always use polite forms (with です/ます) in formal situations
4. Over-Using Formal Language with Friends
Mistake: Always using “gozaimasu” forms with close friends
Why it’s awkward: It creates unnecessary distance in casual relationships
5. Not Responding Appropriately
Mistake: Saying “konnichiwa” back when someone says “irasshaimase”
Correction: Simply nod or smile—no verbal response needed in this context
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Choose the Appropriate Greeting
Match the situation with the correct greeting:
- You arrive at the office at 9 AM
- You enter a restaurant
- You meet a friend you haven’t seen in months
- You’re leaving work at 5 PM
- You answer your phone
- おはようございます (Ohayō gozaimasu)
- No response needed; staff will say いらっしゃいませ (irasshaimase)
- 久しぶり！(Hisashiburi!)
- お疲れ様でした (Otsukaresama deshita) or 失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu)
- もしもし (Moshi moshi)
Exercise 2: Formal or Casual?
Identify whether these greetings are formal or casual:
- おはよう (Ohayō)
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
- やあ (Yā)
- お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu)
- ただいま (Tadaima)
- Casual
- Neutral/Polite
- Very casual
- Formal/Business
- Casual (home context)
Quick Reference Chart
| Time/Situation | Greeting | Formality | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | おはようございます | Formal | Ohayō gozaimasu |
| Morning | おはよう | Casual | Ohayō |
| Afternoon | こんにちは | Neutral | Konnichiwa |
| Evening | こんばんは | Neutral | Konbanwa |
| Phone | もしもし | Neutral | Moshi moshi |
| Workplace | お疲れ様です | Formal | Otsukaresama desu |
| Long time no see | 久しぶり | Casual | Hisashiburi |
| Entering home | ただいま | Casual | Tadaima |
| Leaving home | 行ってきます | Casual | Ittekimasu |
| Store greeting | いらっしゃいませ | Formal | Irasshaimase |
Remember:
- ✅ Match your greeting to the time of day
- ✅ Consider your relationship with the person
- ✅ Pay attention to the situation (formal vs. casual)
- ✅ Include appropriate body language
- ✅ Practice complete exchanges, not just isolated phrases
The more you practice these greetings in real contexts, the more natural they’ll become. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—Japanese people appreciate the effort foreigners make to learn their language and customs.
I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.
