In Japanese culture, greetings are important and common thing. Any conversation between two person starts with polite greetings at first. Greetings are considered to be a part of daily Japanese life. These greetings depend on some factors which means you have to say it based on the situation. Lets know some common greetings in Japanese language today.
In the morning:
Japanese: おはよう ございます
Reading: Ohayoo gozaimasu
Meaning: Good morning
During noon and afternoon:
Japanese: こんにちは
Reading: Konnichiwa
Meaning: Good afternoon
In the evening:
Japanese: こんばんは
Reading: Konbanwa
Meaning: Good evening
Before going to bed / Last conversation before sleep:
Japanese: おやすみなさい
Reading: Oyasuminasai
Meaning: Good night
When meet someone after long time:
Japanese: ひさしぶり
Reading: Hisashiburi
Meaning: Long time, no see
When it is time to leave for long time:
Japanese: さようなら
Reading: Sayoonara
Meaning: Good bye
When hearing someones achievement / good news:
Japanese: おめでとう ございます
Reading: Omedetoo gozaimasu
Meaning: Congratulations
When meeting with someone for the first time:
Japanese: はじめまして
Reading: Hajimemashite
Meaning: Nice to meet you
When coming back home from work (after door of the house opens):
Japanese: ただいま
Reading: Tadaima
Meaning: I have come back home
When saying bye to a friend or office colleague for the day (whom you expect to meet/see again soon):
Japanese: きをつけて
Reading: Ki o tsukete (kiotsukete)
Meaning: Take care / Wish for arriving safely to home
Before starting conversation over phone:
Japanese: もしもし
Reading: Moshi moshi
Meaning: Hello
When meet with coworker during work hour or just before leaving work:
Japanese: おつかれさまです
Reading: Otsukaresamedesu
Meaning: You have worked hard/it was a great working day today
When entering a restaurant/shop you will hear this greeting:
Japanese: いらっしゃいませ
Reading: Irrasshaimase
Meaning: Please come in/Welcome
When someone is preparing for exam, sport or working for something to achieve:
Japanese: がんばって
Reading: Ganbatte
Meaning: Give it your best/You can do it/Good luck!
When you have made a mistake:
Japanese: ごめんなさい
Reading: Gomennasai
Meaning: I am Sorry(Apology)
When you need to do something for someone who needs to wait a bit (not for long time):
Japanese: しょうしょう おまちください
Reading: sho sho omachi kudasai
Meaning: Please wait for a moment
Hope you have learnt how to say “hello” in various ways in Japanese with this article. These are all common greetings in Japanese you will hear on day to day basis several times when in a Japanese environment. This is common Japanese manner. It is recommended that you do the same when interacting with Japanese people around you. In this way a good understanding will be made between you and the person you know.
