Ever wondered how to say hi in Japanese without sounding awkward or too formal? You’re not alone!
Greeting people in Japan isn’t just about saying “hello”—it’s about showing respect, warmth, and understanding cultural context.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Tokyo or just want to impress your Japanese friends, this guide will teach you the most common and natural ways to say “hi” in Japanese, along with pronunciation tips and fun cultural notes. 🇯🇵✨
🗣️ The Most Common Way to Say “Hi” in Japanese
こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
Pronunciation: kon-nee-chee-wah
This is the most widely known greeting in Japanese. It literally means “Good afternoon,” but it’s often used like “hi” or “hello” during the day.
Example:
👋 “こんにちは！元気ですか？” (Konnichiwa! Genki desu ka?) — “Hi! How are you?”
👉 Use konnichiwa when greeting teachers, colleagues, or people you’re not very close with. It’s polite and appropriate for most daytime situations.
🌅 Saying “Hi” in the Morning
おはよう (Ohayō)
Pronunciation: oh-ha-yo
This means “Good morning.” You can use it casually with friends or family.
Example:
🌞 “おはよう！” (Ohayō!) — “Morning!”
If you’re greeting someone in a formal setting, like your boss or teacher, use:
おはようございます (Ohayō gozaimasu) — a more polite version meaning “Good morning.”
🌙 Saying “Hi” in the Evening
こんばんは (Konbanwa)
Pronunciation: kon-bahn-wah
Used in the evening, konbanwa means “Good evening.” It’s polite and sounds natural when meeting someone after sunset.
Example:
🌙 “こんばんは！お元気ですか？” (Konbanwa! Ogenki desu ka?) — “Good evening! How are you?”
🧋 Casual Ways to Say “Hi” Like a Native
If you’re with close friends or people your age, there are more relaxed, fun ways to say “hi.”
やあ (Yā)
Pronunciation: yaa
A short and casual way of saying “hi,” similar to “hey!”
Example:
👋 “やあ！久しぶり！” (Yā! Hisashiburi!) — “Hey! Long time no see!”
よう (Yō)
Pronunciation: yo
Mostly used by young men or close male friends.
Example:
😎 “よう、元気？” (Yō, genki?) — “Yo, how’s it going?”
🎎 Cultural Note | Greetings in Japan Are More Than Words
In Japan, greetings often include bowing—a gesture of respect. Even when you say something as simple as konnichiwa, a slight bow makes your greeting feel sincere. Also, Japanese people usually avoid loud or exaggerated greetings; being polite and calm is key.
💬 Common Follow Up Phrases After Saying “Hi”
Once you’ve said “hi,” you might want to keep the conversation going. Here are a few useful follow-ups:
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| How are you? | 元気ですか？ | genki desu ka? | Are you well? |
| I’m fine, thanks. | 元気です。 | genki desu. | I’m fine. |
| Nice to meet you. | はじめまして。 | hajimemashite | Used when meeting for the first time |
| Goodbye. | さようなら。 | sayōnara | A polite goodbye |
| See you later. | またね。 | mata ne | Casual “see you” |
🎤 Pronunciation Tip
Japanese vowels are short and clear — like singing a rhythm!
- A sounds like “ah” (as in car)
- I sounds like “ee” (as in see)
- U sounds like “oo” (as in boot)
- E sounds like “eh” (as in pet)
- O sounds like “oh” (as in go)
Practice these slowly, and you’ll sound natural in no time!
🌸 Quick Recap
Let’s summarize what you’ve learned:
- Konnichiwa — “Hi” or “Good afternoon” (polite)
- Ohayō / Ohayō gozaimasu — “Good morning” (casual/formal)
- Konbanwa — “Good evening”
- Yā / Yō — “Hey” (casual, friendly)
Each phrase fits a specific time or relationship level. Using the right one helps you sound more respectful and culturally aware.
🎯 Conclusion
Now you know exactly how to say hi in Japanese—from polite greetings like konnichiwa to casual ones like yā. Remember, greetings are more than words in Japan; they reflect kindness and respect. So next time you meet someone Japanese, smile, bow slightly, and say confidently:
“こんにちは！” (Konnichiwa!) 🌸
Keep practicing, and soon saying hi in Japanese will feel as natural as saying hello in English!
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