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21 Essential Ways To Say "Hello" In Japanese: The Ultimate 2025 Guide To Aisatsu And Bowing Etiquette

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Forget everything you think you know about saying "hello" in Japanese. While *Konnichiwa* (こんにちは) is the universal phrase taught to tourists, the reality of Japanese social interaction is far more nuanced, requiring a dynamic understanding of time, social rank, and specific situations. As of December 21, 2025, mastering greetings in Japan means understanding the cultural cornerstone of *Aisatsu* (挨拶), a concept that goes far beyond a simple "hello" and is essential for building respect and rapport in any setting, from the office to the local ramen shop.

This in-depth guide is designed to transform you from a basic speaker to a culturally aware communicator. You will learn the specific phrases used for morning, day, and night, alongside the crucial situational greetings—like answering the phone or acknowledging a colleague’s hard work—that native speakers use daily. We will also demystify the essential etiquette of *Ojigi* (お辞儀), or bowing, ensuring you make the correct first impression every time.

The Foundational Three: Time-Based Greetings (Aisatsu)

The most common Japanese greetings are strictly tied to the time of day and are a fundamental part of *Aisatsu* (挨拶), the practice of formal and informal social greetings. Using the wrong one is a minor mistake, but using the correct one shows immediate respect and awareness.

  • 1. Good Morning (Formal): Ohayou Gozaimasu (おはようございます)

    This is the polite form and is mandatory when greeting superiors, clients, or anyone you don't know well. It is used from sunrise until about 11:00 AM. In a professional setting, however, it is often used for the first greeting of the day, regardless of the actual time, even at 3 PM, to acknowledge your colleagues.

  • 2. Good Morning (Casual): Ohayou (おはよう)

    The shortened, casual version, reserved for close friends, family, and those of equal or lower social standing (*kōhai*).

  • 3. Good Day / Hello: Konnichiwa (こんにちは)

    This is the general, all-purpose "hello" or "good afternoon." It is safe to use between 11:00 AM and sunset. It is a neutral-form greeting, appropriate for most everyday interactions, such as greeting a shop clerk or a neighbor.

  • 4. Good Evening: Konbanwa (こんばんは)

    Used from sunset until bedtime. Like *Konnichiwa*, it is a standard, polite, and universally accepted greeting for the evening.

Mastering the Art of Bowing (Ojigi) Etiquette

In Japan, a verbal greeting is almost always accompanied by an *Ojigi* (お辞儀), or bow. The depth of the bow is a non-verbal indicator of respect and formality, a key component of proper manners (*rei*).

  • 5. Informal Bow: Eshaku (会釈)

    A slight nod or a 15-degree bend from the waist. This is used for casual greetings, such as acknowledging a colleague in the hallway, passing someone on the street, or as a quick, informal "hello."

  • 6. Formal Bow: Keirei (敬礼)

    A deeper, more respectful 30-degree bow. This is the standard bow for greeting customers, clients, or superiors (*senpai*) in a business setting. It conveys genuine respect and is often used with *Ohayou Gozaimasu* or *Konbanwa*.

  • 7. Deepest Bow: Saikeirei (最敬礼)

    The most formal bow, a deep 45-degree bend. This is reserved for expressing the utmost respect, deep apology, or profound gratitude. You would rarely use this for a simple "hello," but it's essential to recognize its significance.

Situational and Professional Greetings (Keigo)

Japanese social language, *Keigo* (敬語), dictates that different situations require unique greetings. These phrases are not direct translations of "hello," but they serve the same function while conveying a specific message.

  • 8. Answering the Phone: Moshi Moshi (もしもし)

    This is the standard and almost exclusive way to answer a phone call in Japan. It is the equivalent of "Hello?" on the phone and is used for both casual and professional calls.

  • 9. Welcome: Youkoso (ようこそ)

    A simple "welcome," often used by hosts or shop staff. The more formal version is *Nihon e Youkoso!* (日本へようこそ！) meaning "Welcome to Japan!"

  • 10. Long Time No See (Formal): Ohisashiburi desu ne (お久しぶりですね)

    Used when greeting someone you haven't seen in a while. The polite *desu ne* makes it suitable for all but the closest friends.

  • 11. Long Time No See (Casual): Hisashiburi (久しぶり)

    The shortened version, perfect for old friends or former classmates.

  • 12. Work Greeting: Otsukaresama desu (お疲れ様です)

    Literally meaning "You are tired," this is perhaps the single most important office greeting. It functions as a general "hello," "good job," or "thank you for your hard work." It is used to greet colleagues, acknowledge someone leaving, or start a conversation.

  • 13. Leaving Work: Osaki ni Shitsurei Shimasu (お先に失礼します)

    Meaning "Excuse me for leaving before you," this is the mandatory phrase when clocking out before your colleagues. It is a polite way to say goodbye and acknowledge the work of those staying behind.

  • 14. Entering Someone’s Home: Ojama Shimasu (お邪魔します)

    Meaning "I will intrude," this is the polite phrase to say when stepping inside someone's house. It is a form of greeting that acknowledges the inconvenience you may be causing.

Casual and Slang Greetings for Close Friends

When interacting with close friends, family, or young people, Japanese speakers often drop the formal *keigo* and use simple, direct, and often shortened phrases. These are best used only with people you know well to avoid sounding overly familiar or disrespectful.

  • 15. Yo / Hey: Ossu (おっす)

    A very casual, masculine greeting often used among young male friends, similar to "Yo" or "'Sup."

  • 16. Hey / Hiya: Yahhō (やっほー)

    A lighthearted, casual greeting that translates to "Yoohoo" or "Hiya." It is very common among young people and often used between friends or when calling out to someone.

  • 17. Hey / 'Sup: Chiissu (ちーっす)

    A slang contraction of *Ohayou Gozaimasu*, used almost exclusively among close male friends. It is highly informal.

  • 18. Hi: Ya- (やあ)

    A simple, short, and casual exclamation used to grab a friend’s attention.

  • 19. Hello (Katakana): Harō (ハロー)

    Simply the English word "Hello" written in *Katakana*. It is used casually, sometimes for a humorous effect, or by people who want to sound modern or "cute."

  • 20. How Are You?: Genki? (元気？)

    Literally "Are you healthy/energetic?" This is a common casual greeting among friends, though it is often used rhetorically, unlike in English. The polite version is *Ogenki desu ka?* (お元気ですか?).

  • 21. What's Up?: Dōmo (どうも)

    A highly versatile, extremely casual word that can mean "hello," "thanks," or "excuse me." It is often used as a quick, informal nod of acknowledgement.

Final Takeaway: The Importance of Context

The journey to learning "how to say hello in Japanese" is a deep dive into Japanese culture itself. The difference between *Ohayou* and *Ohayou Gozaimasu*, or a 15-degree *Eshaku* versus a 30-degree *Keirei*, is the difference between a fluent speaker and a tourist. The core concept to remember is *Keigo*—using the right level of politeness for the person you are greeting. In 2025, with global communication more frequent than ever, understanding these nuances is not just about language acquisition; it is a sign of respect for Japanese social harmony and a powerful tool for effective communication with your *senpai*, *kōhai*, friends, and colleagues.

21 Essential Ways to Say
how to say hello in japanese
how to say hello in japanese

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