3 Ways To Say Hello In Japanese - WikiHow

Home » How To Say Hey In Japanese » 3 Ways To Say Hello In Japanese - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Say Hello in Japanese PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Language Academia and Jennifer Mueller, JD

Last Updated: June 28, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Standard Greetings
    • |
  • Informal Greetings
    • |
  • Proper Bowing Practices
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Language Academia and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Language Academia is a private, online language school founded by Kordilia Foxstone. Kordilia and her team specialize in teaching foreign languages and accent reduction. Language Academia offers courses in several languages, including English, Spanish, and Mandarin. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,153,145 times.

The Japanese language and culture focus on respect and formality. How you greet people depends, to a large extent, on who you're greeting and the context in which you're greeting them. However, in most situations, konnichiwa is appropriate. Along with your greeting, you're generally expected to bow as a sign of respect. The bow is the Japanese equivalent of a handshake in Western countries, so it's important to follow the appropriate protocol.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Standard Greetings

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Use konnichiwa (こんにちは) to greet most people in most settings. 1 Use konnichiwa (こんにちは) to greet most people in most settings. Konnichiwa (koh-nee-chee-wah) is the most common way to say "hello" in Japanese, and is considered an all-purpose greeting. You can use it during the day when greeting anyone, regardless of their social status.[1]
    • Konnichiwa comes from the word "today" in the phrase "How are you today?" For this reason, it isn't appropriate to use later in the evening, after the sun goes down. You also won't hear Japanese people say it very often early in the morning.

    Pronunciation Tip: In Japanese, syllables aren't stressed as they are in many other languages. Instead, Japanese syllables are differentiated by the pitch of your voice. The same word said with different pitches can take on different meanings, so listen to Japanese people say any word you want to learn and mimic their tones exactly.

  2. Step 2 Greet people with ohayō gozaimasu (おはよう　ございます) in the morning. 2 Greet people with ohayō gozaimasu (おはよう　ございます) in the morning. ohayō gozaimasu (oh-hah-yoh goh-zah-ee-muhss-oo) means "good morning" in Japanese and is the standard greeting that replaces konnichiwa in the early morning hours, typically before 10:00 a.m. This greeting is appropriate with strangers, or when you're greeting people in a position of authority over you, such as your teacher or your boss.[2]
    • This greeting is appropriate both when you're approaching someone and when you're departing their company (as a form of "goodbye"), but watch the time of day. If it's approaching afternoon, you should probably use sayonara (sah-yoh-nah-rah) instead.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Switch to konbanwa (こんばんは) in the evening. 3 Switch to konbanwa (こんばんは) in the evening. Konbanwa (kohn-bahn-wah) means "good evening" in Japanese and is appropriate to use when you're greeting anyone in the late afternoon or evening hours after the sun goes down. This greeting is used both when you're meeting someone and when you're departing.[3]
    • As you're taking your leave, you can also use oyasumi nasai (おやすみなさい) to say "goodbye" at night. This phrase is not typically used as a greeting, only when you're leaving. Pronounce it oh-yah-soo-mee nah-sigh.

    Culture Tip: Because of the formality of Japanese culture, morning and evening are more carefully demarcated from the day than in Western culture. While you would say "hello" in English to anyone at any time of the day, you should never say konnichiwa in the morning or evening.

  4. Step 4 Follow up your greeting by asking o genki desu ka (お元気ですか). 4 Follow up your greeting by asking o genki desu ka (お元気ですか). O genki desu ka (oh gehn-kee dehss kah) is a polite, formal way to say "how are you?" It can also be a great way to get a conversation started with someone you just met.[4]
    • This phrase allows you to connect with the person you're speaking to and is considered respectful, especially if they're someone who is older than you or in a position of authority.
    • If the other person asks you this question, reply with o kagesama de genki desu, which means "thank you, I'm fine."
  5. Step 5 Answer the phone with moshi moshi (もしもし). 5 Answer the phone with moshi moshi (もしもし). While in English you use the same greeting on the phone that you would in person, Japanese has a different greeting that is exclusively for use on the phone. You say moshi moshi (moh-shee moh-shee) whether you are the caller or the person being called.[5]
    • Never use moshi moshi to greet someone in person. You'll get a strange look from the person you're greeting.

    Pronunciation Tip: Many Japanese speakers will say this greeting so quickly that it sounds more like "mohsh mohsh," with the last syllable being virtually silent.

    6. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Informal Greetings

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Use an abbreviated version of konnichiwa around people you know. 1 Use an abbreviated version of konnichiwa around people you know. When you're speaking more rapidly, especially around people you know, it's acceptable not to fully pronounce all the syllables of konnichiwa. The word instead comes out sounding something like "konchiwa."
    • You will hear this abbreviated version particularly in urban areas, such as in Tokyo, where Japanese is typically spoken much more rapidly.
  2. Step 2 Shorten your greetings among friends and family members. 2 Shorten your greetings among friends and family members. All of the standard Japanese greetings become shortened when you're talking to people your own age or younger, or people you know well. Some shortened greetings include:[6]
    • Ohayō, instead of ohayō gozaimasu, for "good morning"
    • Genki desuka, instead of o genki desu ka, for "how are you"
    • Oyasumi, instead of oyasumi nasai, for "goodnight" (as you're leaving)
  3. Step 3 Say ossu if you are male and greeting close male friends. 3 Say ossu if you are male and greeting close male friends. Ossu (ohss) is an informal greeting, similar to saying "hey man" or "hey dude" in English. It is used exclusively between male friends and relatives who are around the same age.[7]
    • Ossu is rarely used between female friends, or between friends of different genders.
  4. Step 4 Greet friends with yaho if you are a young person. 4 Greet friends with yaho if you are a young person. Yaho (yah-hoh) is an extremely informal greeting, typically used by girls to greet other girlfriends. Even if you are older, you can still use this greeting among friends if you feel young and hip.[8]
    • Boys and young men more often say yo (yoh) than yaho.

    Culture Tip: Some Japanese people, and some regions generally, are more formal than others. When in doubt, wait to use slang until the other person has used it first.

    5. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Proper Bowing Practices

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Accompany your greeting with a bow. 1 Accompany your greeting with a bow. Japanese speakers typically bow while saying the word they're using as a greeting as a sign of respect to the person they're greeting. This means you would bow while saying the word konnichiwa – not afterwards.[9]
    • While the Japanese bow can be compared to a handshake in Western culture, typically, in Western culture, you would say "hello" first, then extend your hand for a handshake. This is a key difference in Japanese body language while greeting.
  2. Step 2 Bend from the waist with a straight back and your arms by your side. 2 Bend from the waist with a straight back and your arms by your side. Bowing with just your shoulders or your head is seen as rude if you're bowing to someone you don't know, an elder, or an authority figure. Keep your arms straight with the backs of your hands facing the person you're bowing to.[10]
    • When you bow, move at the same pace you normally would. Lean forward, and then raise back up moving at approximately the same speed. Think in terms of how quickly you'd shake someone's hand.
    • Always keep your eyes forward in the direction of your eyes. Try to look to the ground a middle-distance in front of you, or at the feet of the person you're bowing to.
  3. Step 3 Return any bow you receive. 3 Return any bow you receive. If you make the initial greeting, typically you'll bow first. The other person will then bow as they greet you. However, if the other person greets you and bows first, you are expected to bow in response.[11]
    • A single bow is typically sufficient. If you bow, and then the other person bows in response, there's no need to bow again.

    Culture Tip: Try to bow slightly lower than the person you're bowing to, particularly if they are a stranger, if they're older than you, or if they're in a position of authority.

  4. Step 4 Vary the angle of your bow to indicate the level of respect. 4 Vary the angle of your bow to indicate the level of respect. Japanese culture is hierarchical. How deep you bow indicates the level of formality and social respect for the person to whom you're bowing. In most situations, a 15-degree bow is appropriate.[12]
    • A formal bow of 30 degrees is appropriate if you're greeting someone who is much older than you or has authority over you, such as a boss or a teacher.
    • There are also even deeper bows, up to 45 degrees, but these would generally be reserved for when you meet someone of extremely high rank in society, such as the prime minister or emperor of Japan.
  5. Step 5 Bow to each member of a group individually. 5 Bow to each member of a group individually. If you are greeting a group of people, it is customary to greet each one of them individually. This means you will also repeat the ritual of the bow with each person.
    • If this seems odd to you, think about what you would do if you were being introduced to a group of business associates in a more formal business setting. You typically would shake hands with each of them as you were told their names. This custom is no different.
  6. Step 6 Nod your head instead of bowing to close friends your age. 6 Nod your head instead of bowing to close friends your age. When you're greeting close friends, especially if you are younger, there doesn't tend to be as much formality. However, the custom of the bow persists in a respectful nod of the head as you're greeting the person.[13]
    • If you're greeting a friend and they are accompanied by someone you don't know, return to a full bow when you greet that person. To simply nod to them would be considered disrespectful.
    • When in doubt, follow the lead of the other person, especially if you are visiting in Japan. If they nod to you, then you can assume they won't consider it rude if you nod back.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Why must you bow? Do I have to respect everyone? What if I'm saying hello to someone I don't like? DeRpYPeeWee DeRpYPeeWee Community Answer You still have to bow. It's Japanese tradition. When I meet eyes with someone, I usually bow even if they're a stranger. It has nothing to do with whether you like someone or not. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 17 Helpful 167
  • Question How do I say sorry in Japanese? Community Answer Community Answer Gomen'nasai. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 115
  • Question How can I say good afternoon in Japanese? Community Answer Community Answer To say good afternoon in Japanese, you would say 'konnichiwa.' You can also use this to say "hello" at any time of the day. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 52
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • You will also hear "Irasshaimase" (Ee-rah-shy-mah-seh) when you enter restaurants or stores in Japan. This is a greeting that the staff say to customers. You do not need to respond to this greeting. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Say “Good Morning” in JapaneseHow toSay “Good Morning” in Japanese Greet People in JapanHow toGreet People in Japan Say Nice to Meet You in JapaneseHow toSay Nice to Meet You in Japanese Say Hello in KoreanHow toSay Hello in Korean Introduce Yourself in JapaneseHow toIntroduce Yourself in Japanese Say Thank You in Japanese17 Phrases to Express Gratitude in Japanese Introduce Yourself in KoreanHow toIntroduce Yourself in Korean Say Hello in VietnameseHow toSay Hello in Vietnamese Say Hello in ItalianHow toSay Hello in Italian Greet SomeoneHow toGreet Someone Other Ways to Say Hello100+ Other Ways to Say Hello in English (Plus, How to Respond) Say Bye in JapaneseHow to Say Bye in Japanese: 14 Casual & Formal Examples Bow PolitelyHow toBow Politely Greet People in IndonesiaIndonesian Greetings: How to Say Hello, Goodbye, and More Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://mylanguages.org/japanese_phrases.php
  2. ↑ https://omniglot.com/language/phrases/japanese.php
  3. ↑ https://mylanguages.org/japanese_phrases.php
  4. ↑ https://omniglot.com/language/phrases/japanese.php
  5. ↑ https://www.nhk.or.jp/lesson/english/questions/0015.html
  6. ↑ https://www.clozemaster.com/blog/hello-in-japanese/
  7. ↑ https://www.clozemaster.com/blog/hello-in-japanese/
  8. ↑ https://www.clozemaster.com/blog/hello-in-japanese/
  9. ↑ https://www.tofugu.com/japan/bowing-in-japan/
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://www.tofugu.com/japan/bowing-in-japan/
  2. ↑ https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/japanese-culture/japanese-culture-communication
  3. ↑ https://www.nippon.com/en/guide-to-japan/gu020001/
  4. ↑ https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/japanese-culture/japanese-culture-greetings

About This Article

Language Academia Co-authored by: Language Academia Language Tutors This article was co-authored by Language Academia and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Language Academia is a private, online language school founded by Kordilia Foxstone. Kordilia and her team specialize in teaching foreign languages and accent reduction. Language Academia offers courses in several languages, including English, Spanish, and Mandarin. This article has been viewed 2,153,145 times. 126 votes - 83% Co-authors: 39 Updated: June 28, 2025 Views: 2,153,145 Categories: Featured Articles | Greeting People in Other Languages Article SummaryX

If you want to say "Hello" in Japanese, you can say "konnichiwa," which is an appropriate greeting in most settings. However, if you're answering the phone or calling someone, always say "moshi moshi" instead. Never use "moshi moshi" to greet someone in person, though! If you're a young person and you want to say "Hello" to a close friend, you can just say "Yaho." This is an extremely informal greeting that's often used by young girls to greet each other. To learn how to bow when you say "Hello" in Japanese, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Portuguese Spanish German French Russian Chinese Indonesian Dutch Thai Arabic Korean Vietnamese Japanese Italian
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,153,145 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Natsu Dragneel

    Natsu Dragneel

    Apr 25, 2016

    "I would like to say arigato gozaimasu to the person who wrote this article. FYI: "arigato gozaimasu" is..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Language Academia Co-authored by: Language Academia Language Tutors Co-authors: 39 Updated: June 28, 2025 Views: 2,153,145 83% of readers found this article helpful. 126 votes - 83% Click a star to add your vote Natsu Dragneel

Natsu Dragneel

Apr 25, 2016

"I would like to say arigato gozaimasu to the person who wrote this article. FYI: "arigato gozaimasu" is..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Dec 25, 2017

"I learned a lot from this article. It increases my interest in the Japanese language, and I want to learn more..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Nov 30, 2017

"this will really help the basic studying on sounds for Kanji and Japanese in general, and this explained more about..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Jul 6, 2017

"It helped me learn Japanese and taught me more words that I should know. Thank you, arigato gozaimasu!" Sara Kearney

Sara Kearney

Jun 6, 2016

"This really helped me out! Now I know not to say Kon'nichiwa in the evening so I don't sound weird. " Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Hiragana QuizHiragana QuizTake QuizGuess the Language QuizGuess the Language QuizTake QuizImpossible English TestImpossible English TestTake QuizWhat's My Communication Style QuizWhat's My Communication Style QuizTake QuizWhich MHA Character Am I QuizWhich MHA Character Am I QuizTake QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Say “Good Morning” in JapaneseHow toSay “Good Morning” in JapaneseGreet People in JapanHow toGreet People in JapanSay Nice to Meet You in JapaneseHow toSay Nice to Meet You in JapaneseSay Hello in KoreanHow toSay Hello in Korean

Featured Articles

What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse? Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)

Trending Articles

How Many People Had a Crush on You In 2025?How Many People Had a Crush on You In 2025?Attractiveness Score QuizAttractiveness Score QuizKissHow toKissWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizWhat Song Was #1 On My Birthday?What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?Am I Chopped QuizAm I Chopped Quiz

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Featured Articles

Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test

Watch Articles

Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean) Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysThicken Sauce with FlourHow toThicken Sauce with Flour Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other Garments Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice Cooker Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)How to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

Discover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksHow toLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksAnswer These Questions, And We'll Judge YouAnswer These Questions, And We'll Judge You10+ Scary Phone Numbers to Call10+ Scary Phone Numbers to CallWho's My KPop Lookalike QuizWho's My KPop Lookalike QuizHow Vanilla Am I QuizHow Vanilla Am I Quiz

Quizzes & Games

Cognitive TestCognitive TestTake QuizWhich Demon Slayer Hashira Am I QuizWhich Demon Slayer Hashira Am I QuizTake QuizWhich Bungo Stray Dogs Character Am I QuizWhich Bungo Stray Dogs Character Am I QuizTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizHow Chivalrous Am I in Romantic Relationships QuizHow Chivalrous Am I in Romantic Relationships QuizTake QuizHow Well Can I Read Dog Body Language QuizHow Well Can I Read Dog Body Language QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Education and Communications
  • World Languages
  • Multiple Language Guides
  • Greeting People in Other Languages
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --749

Tag » How To Say Hey In Japanese