Learning a new language starts with the basics, and few things are more essential than knowing how to greet someone. In Japan, greetings are more than a way to say hello—they’re a key part of showing respect, understanding social roles, and building relationships. Whether you're visiting Japan, studying the language, or simply curious about the culture, mastering Japanese greetings is a great first step on your journey.
In this beginner’s guide, we'll walk you through the most commonly used Japanese greetings, when to use them, and how to pronounce them naturally.
Why Are Japanese Greetings So Important?
In Japanese culture, politeness and respect form the foundation of communication. That’s why greetings aren’t just casual hellos—they reflect the speaker's attitude and awareness of social context. Saying the right greeting at the right time is not just polite—it’s expected.
Even as a beginner, using proper Japanese greetings can leave a great impression. Whether you're addressing a teacher, coworker, friend, or stranger, knowing these phrases helps you sound more fluent and culturally aware.
The Most Common Japanese Greetings
Here are six of the most important Japanese greetings to get you started.
1. こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – "Hello" / "Good Afternoon"
Probably the most recognized Japanese greeting, konnichiwa is a polite and standard way to say “hello” during the day—usually from late morning to early evening.
When to use:
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When greeting someone between 10 AM and 5 PM
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In both casual and formal situations
Pronunciation tip:
Break it down as kon-ni-chi-wa. The “wa” is written as “は” (ha), but pronounced “wa” in this context due to historical grammar rules.
2. おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – "Good Morning"
Used in the morning, this greeting shows politeness and energy. The shorter form, ohayou, is informal and used with close friends or family.
When to use:
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Before 10 AM
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Ohayou gozaimasu for formal use, ohayou for casual situations
3. こんばんは (Konbanwa) – "Good Evening"
This greeting is used after sunset and is common in both formal and casual contexts.
When to use:
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When greeting someone in the evening or at night
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At restaurants, evening meetings, or social gatherings
4. おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai) – "Good Night"
This is said when parting ways for the night or going to bed. The informal version is oyasumi.
When to use:
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When saying goodnight at home or after an evening event
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Oyasuminasai in polite contexts, oyasumi with family or friends
5. はじめまして (Hajimemashite) – "Nice to Meet You"
This phrase is used the very first time you meet someone. It’s often followed by yoroshiku onegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします), meaning "please treat me well."
When to use:
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During introductions
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In both social and business settings
6. いってきます / いってらっしゃい (Ittekimasu / Itterasshai)
These greetings are unique to Japanese and are used at home. When someone is leaving, they say ittekimasu ("I’ll go and come back"), and the person staying replies itterasshai ("Please go and come back safely").
When to use:
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Between family members or housemates
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When someone is leaving home
Cultural Notes on Japanese Greetings
At Japanese Language Coaching, we emphasize that understanding greetings goes beyond memorizing words. Here are a few cultural tips to keep in mind:
1. Bowing Matters
In Japan, bowing is an integral part of greetings. A slight bow adds politeness, while deeper bows express more formality or apology. Even a simple nod of the head while saying hello shows respect.
2. Time Sensitivity
Using greetings appropriate to the time of day is a sign of cultural fluency. Avoid saying konnichiwa at night or ohayou in the evening.
3. Formality Is Key
When in doubt, choose the more formal version of a greeting. It’s better to be overly polite than accidentally rude—especially in workplaces or with people you don’t know well.
Practice Makes Perfect
To sound natural when using Japanese greetings, practice is essential:
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Repeat greetings out loud daily
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Watch Japanese TV or listen to podcasts to hear them in context
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Use flashcards or apps to reinforce memorization
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Practice with a native speaker or a coach from Japanese Language Coaching
From saying konnichiwa in the afternoon to konbanwa in the evening, learning Japanese greetings gives you a solid foundation for deeper communication and cultural understanding. These small phrases open the door to connection, whether you're traveling, studying, or starting a career involving Japan.
At Japanese Language Coaching, we help learners master not just vocabulary, but the cultural skills that make speaking Japanese truly meaningful. With the right guidance and practice, you’ll be greeting people naturally in no time.