Skip to content
Go back

Hello in Japanese Language: A Complete Guide

Hello in Japanese Language

Photo by Eagan Hsu on Unsplash

If you’re wondering how to say hello in Japanese language, the most common and versatile greeting is こんにちは (Konnichiwa) — pronounced kohn-nee-chee-wah. It’s widely used in everyday situations, especially during the day, and works well whether you’re greeting a friend, meeting someone new, or interacting in a formal setting. But Japanese greetings go far beyond just konnichiwa.

In this guide, you’ll learn not only the standard ways to say hello, but also how to choose the right greeting based on time of day, formality, and cultural context. We’ll also explore pronunciation tips, polite variations, and regional expressions so you can greet like a native speaker.


Table of Contents

Open Table of Contents

Why Greetings Matter in Japanese Culture

In Japan, greetings are more than just polite words — they’re a reflection of respect, relationship, and social harmony. The way you say hello can set the tone for the conversation that follows.

Unlike in English, where “hello” works almost anywhere, Japanese greetings change depending on who you’re speaking to, when you’re speaking, and how well you know the person. Using the right greeting shows cultural awareness and can make a big difference in building connections.


The Most Common Ways to Say Hello in Japanese

1. こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello / Good Afternoon

💡 Tip: While konnichiwa is often translated as “hello,” it literally means “this day” and historically was used in longer phrases.


2. おはよう (Ohayō) / おはようございます (Ohayō gozaimasu) – Good Morning


3. こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good Evening


4. やあ () / よう () – Hi! (Casual)


5. もしもし (Moshi moshi) – Hello (On the Phone)


Greetings Based on Time of Day

Time of DayJapanese GreetingPronunciationFormality
Morningおはよう / おはようございますoh-ha-yo / oh-ha-yo go-za-i-masCasual / Polite
Afternoonこんにちはkon-ni-chi-waNeutral
Eveningこんばんはkon-ban-waNeutral
Night farewellおやすみ / おやすみなさいo-ya-su-mi / o-ya-su-mi na-saiCasual / Polite

Politeness Levels in Japanese Greetings

Japanese language has three main politeness levels:

  1. Casual — Friends, family, close peers.
  2. Polite (Teineigo) — Everyday interactions with people you’re not close to.
  3. Honorific (Keigo) — Highly formal situations, business meetings, or speaking to someone of much higher status.

For example:


Cultural Tips for Saying Hello in Japanese

  1. Bowing is part of the greeting — Even a small nod can make a big difference in showing respect.
  2. Eye contact — Brief and polite, not prolonged.
  3. Tone of voice — Softer and warmer tones are preferred in formal contexts.
  4. Body language — Keep hands visible and posture straight.
  5. Context awareness — Avoid overly casual greetings in business or with elders.

Greetings for Special Situations


Regional Variations

While konnichiwa is standard nationwide, some regions have local twists:


Pronunciation Tips


How to Respond to Hello in Japanese

When someone greets you, it’s polite to respond with the same greeting or an appropriate variation:

If you’re greeted with a time-specific phrase, match it:


Practice Dialogues

Scenario 1: Meeting a colleague in the afternoon

Scenario 2: Answering the phone


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using konnichiwa in the morning — Use ohayō instead.
  2. Forgetting the bow — Especially in formal or business contexts.
  3. Using moshi moshi in person — It’s only for phone calls.

Summary

Saying hello in Japanese language isn’t just about words — it’s about understanding context, politeness, and cultural nuances. By mastering greetings like konnichiwa, ohayō, and konbanwa, and knowing when to use them, you’ll make a great impression in any situation.


Key Takeaways:


Whether you’re learning Japanese for travel, work, or cultural interest, starting with greetings is the perfect first step toward confident communication.


Share this post on:

Previous Post
Korean Slang: A Complete Guide to Speaking Like a Local
Next Post
Japanese Language I Love You: How to Say It Naturally