How do you say hello in Japanese?

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Greeting in Japanese isn't just a single word. Behind each expression lies a nuance of respect, context, and culture. Whether it's a formal exchange or a meeting between friends, choosing the right word reflects a subtle understanding of Japanese customs. This review explores the main ways to say hello in Japan and their everyday meaning.

Hello in Japanese: how do you say it?

In Japanese, saying " good morning " depends primarily on the time of day. The most commonly used term is konnichiwa (こんにちは), which translates to "good morning" in the afternoon. It is generally used between late morning and sunset. This greeting remains neutral and polite enough to be used in most everyday situations, including work, school, or with people you are meeting for the first time. It is one of the basic phrases to know when starting out in Japanese.

In the morning, the appropriate expression is ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます), equivalent to "good morning" or "good morning." This expression is used until late morning, often before noon, and remains the norm in a formal or professional context. Unlike Western customs where physical contact is frequent, Japanese greetings are accompanied by a slight bow of the bust, a simple but essential gesture to show respect. Greetings can be made anywhere. It is much more common in the mornings around a good breakfast. Find the essentials for cooking in our Japanese tableware collection.

What Japanese expressions should I use to start a conversation?

Japanese is a language where greetings and polite gestures play a central role in communication. Even before constructing full sentences, mastering certain basic expressions facilitates everyday interactions . Whether it's to say hello, thank you, apologize, or take leave, each word has its importance depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Greetings between friends in Japanese

In extended relationships, the Japanese readily use informal expressions, far removed from classic greetings. These formulas are reserved for a family setting, often between young people. For example, ya-ho （やっほー）is similar to a small, joyful cry to attract attention in a light-hearted way . Very common in conversations between teenagers, it evokes a playful tone. The term osu （おす）, meanwhile, is a typically masculine greeting, often heard in sports groups or between close friends. The word yo , just like in French or English, is used to capture the attention of a friend without any particular formality. Finally, it is not uncommon to hear a simple aah pronounced in a grateful tone, often followed by the person's name. The latter is intended to be spontaneous and marks the recognition of a familiar face. These expressions illustrate the flexibility of everyday Japanese language.

Thank you in Japanese

Giving thanks is a universal gesture, but the nuances in the Japanese language make this act particularly codified. Two main expressions stand out:

• Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます): polite form, used in official situations or when marked respect is expected.

• Arigatou (ありがとう): simplified version, suitable for everyday exchanges, without being too familiar.

In response to a thank you, several expressions are possible. Dō itashimashite (どういたしまして) literally means "you're welcome," but the Japanese also use more modest expressions such as ie ie (いえいえ) or kochira koso (こちらこそ), which can be translated as "no, no" or "it's me who thanks you." Since modesty is a strong value in Japanese culture, these responses are often preferred in everyday exchanges.

Apologize in Japanese

Apologizing is an integral part of communication in Japan, a society marked by strict social norms. Two expressions are essential to remember. The first, sumimasen (すみません), is extremely versatile. It can be used to apologize, but also to address someone or offer nuanced thanks. Thanks to its flexibility, it adapts to most contexts, both formal and informal. The second, gomennasai (ごめんなさい), focuses exclusively on expressing regret. This more direct and emotional formulation remains appropriate in situations where one wishes to express genuine forgiveness. It should be noted that body language often accompanies these words: a slight bow of the torso, or even a prostration in serious cases, reinforces the sincerity of the apology. Knowing how to differentiate between these two terms allows you to qualify your speech and avoid attacks in a society where politeness plays an essential role.

Goodbye in Japanese

As with greetings, the way to say goodbye in Japanese depends on the degree of formality and the relationship between the people. The most frequently used expressions are:

• Ja ne (Ja ne): means “see you later”; it is light and extensive.

• Mate ne (またね): close to ja ne, it evokes a “see you soon”.

• Baibai (バイバイ): borrowed from English, this expression is very informal.

• Mata ashita (またあした): “see you tomorrow”, used when a new meeting is planned soon.

• Ki wo tsukete (気をつけて): translates to “take care of yourself” and is used when you want to show special attention to the other person at the time of parting.

These expressions allow you to conclude a conversation while respecting the implicit rules of politeness . They also demonstrate a constant concern for consideration towards your interlocutor, typical of Japanese culture.

How to say good evening in Japanese?

In Japanese, the phrase konbanwa (こんばんは) is used to greet someone in the evening. This expression corresponds to our "good evening" and is used as soon as the day draws to a close, generally after sunset. Like konnichiwa , it is marked by a certain neutrality and is suitable for most public or professional contexts. It can be sent to a stranger, a colleague, or in a respectful conversational setting, without the risk of awkwardness.

Although this greeting remains fairly simple to remember, its use follows implicit rules related to the time of day and the nature of the interaction. In Japan, greetings are never trivial: they convey respect for the other person and attention to the situation. Saying konbanwa not only allows you to initiate an exchange in a political manner, but also to adhere to the social codes specific to Japanese culture.

What formula should I use to wish good night in Japanese?

In Japan, saying goodnight is done with the expression oyasumi nasai (おやすみなさい). This expression, both gentle and respectful, is used at the end of the day, generally when parting ways to go to rest. It is used both in a family setting and in social settings, especially when a certain level of politeness is expected. This greeting marks the end of an interaction and prepares everyone for the tranquility of sleep, in a spirit of kindness. It is a common formula, present in everyday exchanges and very easy to memorize.

There is also a more informal version of this greeting: oyasumi (おやすみ), which retains the same meaning but with a more casual tone. This variant is more commonly used in larger settings, where formality rules can be relaxed. In both cases, these words are synonymous with well-deserved rest and are among the essential expressions to know for communicating naturally in Japan.