Mastering Japanese Greetings: Saying "Hi" "Hey" "Hello"
Knowing how to greet someone is fundamental, especially if you’re planning a trip to Japan or chatting with Japanese friends. Japanese has various ways to say "hi" or "hello," tailored to the time, setting, and level of formality. Let’s explore the key greetings and when to use them effectively.
1. Ohayou Gozaimasu (おはようございます)
Meaning: Good morning
This phrase is the classic morning greeting in Japanese, typically used before mid-morning. Use the polite version, ohayou gozaimasu, in formal settings, while the casual ohayou is more suited to informal interactions.
Examples:
- おはようございます、田中さん。 (Ohayou gozaimasu, Tanaka-san.)
- Translation: Good morning, Mr. Tanaka.
- おはよう、友達！ (Ohayou, tomodachi!)
- Translation: Morning, friend!
Opt for ohayou gozaimasu when addressing superiors or acquaintances and ohayou when greeting close friends or family.
2. Konnichiwa (こんにちは)
Meaning: Hi or Good Afternoon
Konnichiwa is a flexible and universally recognized Japanese greeting. It’s ideal for use during daytime hours, typically from late morning until the evening. Its neutrality makes it suitable for both casual chats and formal conversations.
Examples:
- こんにちは、元気ですか？ (Konnichiwa, genki desu ka?)
- Meaning: Hi, how are you?
- こんにちは、駅はどこですか？ (Konnichiwa, eki wa doko desu ka?)
- Meaning: Hi, where’s the train station?
If you're unsure of the right greeting, konnichiwa is a reliable option for most scenarios.
3. Konbanwa (こんばんは)
Translation: Good evening
Once the evening begins, "konbanwa" becomes the go-to greeting. It’s a polite and slightly formal phrase, ideal for professional settings or introductions after sunset.
Examples:
- こんばんは、今日は楽しかったですか？ (Konbanwa, kyō wa tanoshikatta desu ka?)
- Translation: Good evening, did you have a good day?
- こんばんは、次の電車は何時に出発しますか？ (Konbanwa, tsugi no densha wa nanji ni shuppatsu shimasu ka?)
- Translation: Good evening, what time does the next train depart?
Reserve "konbanwa" for evening occasions, especially when speaking to someone respectfully or in a new encounter.
4. Moshi Moshi (もしもし)
Meaning: Hello (used during phone calls)
When you answer or initiate a call in Japanese, the phrase "moshi moshi" is your go-to greeting. It’s exclusively reserved for telephone conversations and never used in person.
Examples:
- もしもし、佐藤です。(Moshi moshi, Satou desu.)
- Translation: Hello, this is Satou.
- もしもし、私の声が聞こえますか？ (Moshi moshi, watashi no koe ga kikoemasu ka?)
- Translation: Hello, can you hear my voice?
Whether you’re calling a friend or speaking in a formal setting, "moshi moshi" is an essential expression that works perfectly in any phone context.
5. Yahhoo (やっほー) and Yo (よう)
Meaning: Hey (very informal)
Yahhoo and yo are casual greetings often used between close friends or within a younger crowd. Their cheerful and easygoing nature makes them perfect for a relaxed atmosphere but completely out of place in formal or professional environments.
Examples:
- やっほー、どうしてた？ (Yahhoo, doushiteta?)
- Meaning: Hey, what’ve you been up to?
- よう、何か面白いことある？ (Yo, nani ka omoshiroi koto aru?)
- Meaning: Yo, anything interesting happening?
Stick with these greetings when chatting with peers or friends—they’re too casual for serious or formal conversations.
6. Ossu (おっす)
Definition: Hi (informal, commonly used among men)
This casual greeting is frequently used in sports or by male friends in relaxed settings. Due to its informal nature, ossu isn’t suitable for professional or formal conversations.
Examples:
- おっす、準備は整った？(Ossu, junbi wa totonotta?)
- Meaning: Hey, are you all set?
- おっす、最近どう？ (Ossu, saikin dou?)
- Meaning: Hey, how’s it been?
Keep ossu for casual chats with close acquaintances or in environments where informality is the norm.
7. Doumo (どうも)
Translation: Hi or Hello (informal and adaptable)
Doumo is a versatile greeting often used in informal conversations. Beyond saying “hi,” it can sometimes express politeness or appreciation depending on the situation, making it an ideal phrase for easygoing interactions.
Examples:
- どうも、久しぶり！ (Doumo, hisashiburi!)
- Translation: Hey, it’s been ages!
- どうも、お邪魔します。(Doumo, o-jama shimasu.)
- Translation: Hello, excuse me for coming in.
Doumo has a casual tone, but its friendly nature makes it perfect for lighthearted, everyday exchanges.
Conclusion
The Japanese language provides an array of greetings, from formal ones like ohayou gozaimasu to casual phrases like yahhoo or ossu. Knowing when to use each greeting not only helps you communicate effectively but also shows respect for Japanese traditions. Whether you’re starting your day with ohayou or answering a call with moshi moshi, you’ll be prepared to greet with confidence. Keep practicing, and enjoy your journey into the Japanese language!