Introduction to Japanese greetings
<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe word aisatsu<\/em> (\u6328\u62f6) means “greeting” in Japanese, however, it’s more than just “hello.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nAisatsu is very important and is taught from early childhood. For example, it’s not uncommon for school kids to greet every passing student of a higher grade as a sign of respect. Also important in the workplace, Japanese greetings can create a positive working environment and promote communication between coworkers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another interesting thing to note is that handshaking is not as common and bowing<\/a> is much more prevalent as a custom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Aisatsu](\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/English-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n10 basic Japanese greetings
<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. Ohay<\/strong>\u014d<\/strong> gozaimasu (\u304a\u306f\u3088\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3059)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis roughly translates to “good morning,” and is used typically in the morning hours before noon. The actual word for “morning” is not included in the phrase. However, the base word is hayai <\/em>(\u65e9\u3044), which means “early.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can leave out “gozaimasui<\/em>” for close friends and family for a more casual greeting. But always use the full phrase to greet those outside of your circle of acquaintances and those more senior than you. In some businesses, it’s customary to say “ohay\u014d gozaimasu” at any hour of the day, when you are first clocking in, or greeting someone for the first time that day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Konnichiwa (\u3053\u3093\u306b\u3061\u308f)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nProbably the most well-known Japanese greeting, konnichiwa<\/em> roughly translates as “hello,” and can be used at any hour. However, you most commonly use it during the day time between 11am and 5pm. Literally meaning “today,” or more originally, “the sun,” it makes sense to use it while the sun is up.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAmong friends, you may use more casual greetings such as “hey” or “yo,” similar to English greetings. But the more casual greetings should only be used with family and friends you are close to. To be on the safe side, just use “konnichiwa” – you can’t go wrong with that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Konbanwa (\u3053\u3093\u3070\u3093\u308f)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAfter around 6pm or sunset, you can use konbanwa, <\/em>which roughly translates to “good evening,” but literally means “tonight.” In contrast to “konnichiwa”, “konbanwa” sounds more formal, and most people don’t use it with their close acquaintances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. <\/strong>Oyasumi nasai (\u304a\u3084\u3059\u307f\u306a\u3055\u3044)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis literally means something close to “please rest,” or “have a good rest”, but is used to mean “good night.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. <\/strong>Say<\/strong>\u014dnara & gokigeny<\/strong>\u014d s (\u3055\u3088\u3046\u306a\u3089\/\u3054\u304d\u3052\u3093\u3088\u3046)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nContrary to popular belief, say\u014dnara<\/em> is not used that often. Its literal meaning is “if it is so.” Even rarer these days is gokigeny\u014d, <\/em>meaning “farewell,” which was together with “say\u014dnara” until around the Edo period. It meant “if it is so, farewell,” as a complete greeting. Around the Meiji period, men started to drop the latter and say “say\u014dnara” only, while women would respond with “gokigeny\u014d”. <\/em>Around the Showa period, many women also started preferring “say\u014dnara” <\/em>and “gokigeny\u014d” is not as commonly used today.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAmong friends, more commonly heard are “baibai<\/em>” (\u30d0\u30a4\u30d0\u30a4), “jaane<\/em>” (\u3058\u3083\u3042\u306d), “dewa<\/em>” (\u3067\u306f) or “mata ne<\/em>” (\u307e\u305f\u306d). “Mata ne” (\u307e\u305f\u306d) simply means “see you (again)”. So to say “see you tomorrow” or “see you next week”, you can say, “mata ashita<\/em> (\u307e\u305f\u660e\u65e5)” or “mata raish\u016b<\/em> (\u307e\u305f\u6765\u9031)”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n6. Ittekimasu & itterasshai (\u884c\u3063\u3066\u304d\u307e\u3059, \u884c\u3063\u3066\u3089\u3057\u3083\u3044)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe Japanese have greetings specifically for when someone leaves the house or office, which may be a new concept to non-Japanese speakers. The person who leaves says, “ittekimasu<\/em>“, which is literally: “I’ll go and come back.” Whereas the person staying says “itterasshai<\/em>“, literally “please go and come back.” These are used daily, but only at the home or office or somewhere where people are based, since it only makes sense when they will go and come back.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRead more about these particular greetings in our article on unique everyday Japanese phrases<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. <\/strong>Tadaima & okaeri (\u305f\u3060\u3044\u307e, \u304a\u304b\u3048\u308a)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSimilar to above, there are phrases for returning home or to the office. The returning person says, “tadaima”or “tadaima modorimashita<\/em>“. This means: “I have come back now.” The person welcoming him\/her back says, “okaeri<\/em>” or “okaerinasai<\/em>“, to mean “welcome back”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8. <\/strong>Moshi moshi & osewa (\u3082\u3057\u3082\u3057, \u304a\u4e16\u8a71)<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere is one particular greeting that is used only on the phone. The origin lies in the verb m\u014dsu <\/em>(\u7533\u3059), a polite form used for oneself of the verb iu <\/em>(\u8a00\u3046), “to say.” You will often hear “moshimoshi<\/em>” on the phone at the beginning of a conversation, to make sure both parties can hear the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHowever, a more polite way to answer the phone today is “hai <\/em>(\u306f\u3044)” or “yes,” followed by your name or your company and your name, when you are taking business calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSimilar to in-person meetings, a business caller will most often say, “osewa ni natte orimasu <\/em>(\u304a\u4e16\u8a71\u306b\u306a\u3063\u3066\u304a\u308a\u307e\u3059)” to show appreciation for the relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRead more about the meaning of “osewa ni narimasu” in our article on the top Japanese business phrases<\/a> you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n9. Otsukaresama desu (\u304a\u75b2\u308c\u69d8\u3067\u3059)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis is probably the most commonly used greeting in the workplace but is quite difficult to translate. The origin verb tsukareru<\/em> (\u75b2\u308c\u308b) means “to get tired.” It’s generally used as a sign of recognition for hard work and mutual support. So it is usually said after work.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAgain, learn more about this phrase in our Japanese business language article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n10. Y\u014dkoso & irasshaimase (\u3088\u3046\u3053\u305d, \u3044\u3089\u3063\u3057\u3083\u3044\u307e\u305b)
<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOne of the first greetings you hear or see at the airport in Japan may be “y\u014dkoso<\/em>“, to mean “welcome.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn stores and restaurants, on the other hand, customers are greeted by an enthusiastic “irasshaimase<\/em>“, which is a welcome that usually does not expect a response.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEtiquette and manners are very valued in Japanese society and culture. Whether you’re a tourist<\/a>, student<\/a> or worker, one of the first steps to living in Japan is to familiarise yourself with the language and culture. Now that you’ve learned some basic Japanese greetings, be sure to use these at various occasions in Japan!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aisatsu is very important and is taught from early childhood. For example, it’s not uncommon for school kids to greet every passing student of a higher grade as a sign of respect. Also important in the workplace, Japanese greetings can create a positive working environment and promote communication between coworkers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another interesting thing to note is that handshaking is not as common and bowing<\/a> is much more prevalent as a custom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This roughly translates to “good morning,” and is used typically in the morning hours before noon. The actual word for “morning” is not included in the phrase. However, the base word is hayai <\/em>(\u65e9\u3044), which means “early.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can leave out “gozaimasui<\/em>” for close friends and family for a more casual greeting. But always use the full phrase to greet those outside of your circle of acquaintances and those more senior than you. In some businesses, it’s customary to say “ohay\u014d gozaimasu” at any hour of the day, when you are first clocking in, or greeting someone for the first time that day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Probably the most well-known Japanese greeting, konnichiwa<\/em> roughly translates as “hello,” and can be used at any hour. However, you most commonly use it during the day time between 11am and 5pm. Literally meaning “today,” or more originally, “the sun,” it makes sense to use it while the sun is up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among friends, you may use more casual greetings such as “hey” or “yo,” similar to English greetings. But the more casual greetings should only be used with family and friends you are close to. To be on the safe side, just use “konnichiwa” – you can’t go wrong with that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n After around 6pm or sunset, you can use konbanwa, <\/em>which roughly translates to “good evening,” but literally means “tonight.” In contrast to “konnichiwa”, “konbanwa” sounds more formal, and most people don’t use it with their close acquaintances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This literally means something close to “please rest,” or “have a good rest”, but is used to mean “good night.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contrary to popular belief, say\u014dnara<\/em> is not used that often. Its literal meaning is “if it is so.” Even rarer these days is gokigeny\u014d, <\/em>meaning “farewell,” which was together with “say\u014dnara” until around the Edo period. It meant “if it is so, farewell,” as a complete greeting. Around the Meiji period, men started to drop the latter and say “say\u014dnara” only, while women would respond with “gokigeny\u014d”. <\/em>Around the Showa period, many women also started preferring “say\u014dnara” <\/em>and “gokigeny\u014d” is not as commonly used today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among friends, more commonly heard are “baibai<\/em>” (\u30d0\u30a4\u30d0\u30a4), “jaane<\/em>” (\u3058\u3083\u3042\u306d), “dewa<\/em>” (\u3067\u306f) or “mata ne<\/em>” (\u307e\u305f\u306d). “Mata ne” (\u307e\u305f\u306d) simply means “see you (again)”. So to say “see you tomorrow” or “see you next week”, you can say, “mata ashita<\/em> (\u307e\u305f\u660e\u65e5)” or “mata raish\u016b<\/em> (\u307e\u305f\u6765\u9031)”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Japanese have greetings specifically for when someone leaves the house or office, which may be a new concept to non-Japanese speakers. The person who leaves says, “ittekimasu<\/em>“, which is literally: “I’ll go and come back.” Whereas the person staying says “itterasshai<\/em>“, literally “please go and come back.” These are used daily, but only at the home or office or somewhere where people are based, since it only makes sense when they will go and come back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more about these particular greetings in our article on unique everyday Japanese phrases<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similar to above, there are phrases for returning home or to the office. The returning person says, “tadaima”or “tadaima modorimashita<\/em>“. This means: “I have come back now.” The person welcoming him\/her back says, “okaeri<\/em>” or “okaerinasai<\/em>“, to mean “welcome back”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is one particular greeting that is used only on the phone. The origin lies in the verb m\u014dsu <\/em>(\u7533\u3059), a polite form used for oneself of the verb iu <\/em>(\u8a00\u3046), “to say.” You will often hear “moshimoshi<\/em>” on the phone at the beginning of a conversation, to make sure both parties can hear the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, a more polite way to answer the phone today is “hai <\/em>(\u306f\u3044)” or “yes,” followed by your name or your company and your name, when you are taking business calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similar to in-person meetings, a business caller will most often say, “osewa ni natte orimasu <\/em>(\u304a\u4e16\u8a71\u306b\u306a\u3063\u3066\u304a\u308a\u307e\u3059)” to show appreciation for the relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more about the meaning of “osewa ni narimasu” in our article on the top Japanese business phrases<\/a> you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is probably the most commonly used greeting in the workplace but is quite difficult to translate. The origin verb tsukareru<\/em> (\u75b2\u308c\u308b) means “to get tired.” It’s generally used as a sign of recognition for hard work and mutual support. So it is usually said after work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Again, learn more about this phrase in our Japanese business language article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the first greetings you hear or see at the airport in Japan may be “y\u014dkoso<\/em>“, to mean “welcome.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n In stores and restaurants, on the other hand, customers are greeted by an enthusiastic “irasshaimase<\/em>“, which is a welcome that usually does not expect a response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Etiquette and manners are very valued in Japanese society and culture. Whether you’re a tourist<\/a>, student<\/a> or worker, one of the first steps to living in Japan is to familiarise yourself with the language and culture. Now that you’ve learned some basic Japanese greetings, be sure to use these at various occasions in Japan!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n10 basic Japanese greetings
<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. Ohay<\/strong>\u014d<\/strong> gozaimasu (\u304a\u306f\u3088\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3059)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Konnichiwa (\u3053\u3093\u306b\u3061\u308f)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Konbanwa (\u3053\u3093\u3070\u3093\u308f)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. <\/strong>Oyasumi nasai (\u304a\u3084\u3059\u307f\u306a\u3055\u3044)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. <\/strong>Say<\/strong>\u014dnara & gokigeny<\/strong>\u014d s (\u3055\u3088\u3046\u306a\u3089\/\u3054\u304d\u3052\u3093\u3088\u3046)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Ittekimasu & itterasshai (\u884c\u3063\u3066\u304d\u307e\u3059, \u884c\u3063\u3066\u3089\u3057\u3083\u3044)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. <\/strong>Tadaima & okaeri (\u305f\u3060\u3044\u307e, \u304a\u304b\u3048\u308a)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. <\/strong>Moshi moshi & osewa (\u3082\u3057\u3082\u3057, \u304a\u4e16\u8a71)<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n9. Otsukaresama desu (\u304a\u75b2\u308c\u69d8\u3067\u3059)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Y\u014dkoso & irasshaimase (\u3088\u3046\u3053\u305d, \u3044\u3089\u3063\u3057\u3083\u3044\u307e\u305b)
<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n