Learning how to say hello in Japanese is your first step toward connecting with Japanese speakers and exploring a fascinating culture 🇯🇵.
Whether you’re planning a trip, chatting with friends online, or just love languages, knowing the right greetings can make a world of difference.
In this guide, you’ll discover the main ways to say hello, when to use formal or casual expressions, and even some fun follow-up phrases.
By the end, you’ll feel confident greeting anyone in Japanese while sounding natural and polite.
Let’s dive into the colorful world of Japanese greetings! 🌸
Basic Greetings | The Most Common “Hello”
The most universal way to say hello in Japanese is こんにちは (konnichiwa).
- Pronunciation: koh-nee-chee-wah
- When to use: During the daytime, typically from late morning to early evening.
- Example: こんにちは、元気ですか？ (Konnichiwa, genki desu ka?) – “Hello, how are you?”
Just like in English, there are other greetings depending on the time of day.
Morning and Evening Greetings
- おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – “Good morning” 🌅
- Pronunciation: oh-ha-yo go-za-ee-mas
- Use formally in workplaces or with people you respect. Among friends, you can drop the “gozaimasu” and just say おはよう (ohayou).
- Example: おはよう、昨日はよく眠れましたか？ – “Good morning, did you sleep well yesterday?”
- Pronunciation: oh-ha-yo go-za-ee-mas
- こんばんは (Konbanwa) – “Good evening” 🌙
- Pronunciation: kon-ban-wah
- Use in the evening after it gets dark.
- Example: こんばんは、今日の天気はどうですか？ – “Good evening, how’s the weather today?”
- Pronunciation: kon-ban-wah
Casual and Friendly Hello
Among friends or peers, Japanese people often use:
- やあ (Yaa) – informal “Hey!”
- もしもし (Moshi moshi) – “Hello” only used on the phone ☎️
- Pronunciation tips: Yaa is short and casual, while Moshi moshi is repeated twice for politeness.
Common Follow-Up Phrases
After greeting someone, you might want to ask:
- 元気ですか？ (Genki desu ka?) – “How are you?”
- Pronunciation: gen-kee des kah
- さようなら (Sayounara) – “Goodbye”
- Pronunciation: sah-yo-nah-rah
Just like in English, greetings in Japanese often come with a little conversation starter!
Mini Vocabulary Table
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| こんにちは | konnichiwa | Hello (daytime) |
| おはようございます | ohayou gozaimasu | Good morning (formal) |
| おはよう | ohayou | Good morning (casual) |
| こんばんは | konbanwa | Good evening |
| やあ | yaa | Hey (casual) |
| もしもし | moshi moshi | Hello (on the phone) |
| 元気ですか？ | genki desu ka? | How are you? |
| さようなら | sayounara | Goodbye |
Cultural Notes
In Japan, greetings are not just words—they reflect respect and politeness. Bowing slightly while saying hello is common, especially in formal settings. Using casual greetings with someone you just met can feel a bit too familiar, so context matters! 🌸
Conclusion
Now you have all the tools to say hello in Japanese confidently, whether you’re talking to a friend, a colleague, or over the phone. Practice these phrases daily, sprinkle in a smile or a bow, and soon it will feel completely natural. Don’t forget—greeting someone properly is your first step to making a great impression! ✨
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