When learning Japanese, one of the first and most important skills to master is how to greet others. Greetings in Japan aren’t just polite words—they are deeply rooted in culture and used to express respect, warmth, and social awareness.
Whether you’re traveling, making friends, or working in a Japanese-speaking environment, using the right greeting helps you build positive connections and show confidence in your communication.
In this blog post, we’ll cover essential Japanese greetings for daily use, explain when to use them, and give you tips to help you sound more natural and confident.
Why Greetings Matter in Japanese
In Japan, greetings are used more frequently than in many other cultures. People greet each other when entering a room, starting a conversation, and even when leaving for the day. These phrases often vary based on the time of day, level of formality, and the speaker’s relationship to the listener. Using the right greeting shows that you understand and respect these social norms.
By learning these greetings and how to use them properly, you’ll gain confidence and feel more comfortable engaging with native speakers in everyday situations.
Essential Japanese Greetings for Daily Life
Here are the most useful greetings you should learn first:
1. おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good Morning
This is the polite version of “good morning,” typically used until around 10 a.m.
Casual version: おはよう (Ohayou) – used with friends or family.
When to use: When arriving at work, school, or greeting someone in the morning.
2. こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello / Good Afternoon
A standard, polite greeting used from late morning to early evening. This works in almost any situation—whether you’re speaking to a shopkeeper, a teacher, or someone you’ve just met.
3. こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good Evening
Used after sunset, this polite greeting is great when arriving at someone’s house, attending an event in the evening, or entering a restaurant.
4. さようなら (Sayounara) – Goodbye
This formal way of saying goodbye implies a long-term parting. It’s not commonly used between friends in daily situations. Instead, use more casual forms like:
じゃね (Ja ne) – See you
またね (Mata ne) – See you later
バイバイ (Baibai) – Bye-bye (very casual)
5. おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai) – Good Night
Say this when someone is going to bed. It's polite and commonly used in households or when parting late at night.
Casual version: おやすみ (Oyasumi)
Greetings for First-Time Meetings
6. はじめまして (Hajimemashite) – Nice to Meet You
Used only the first time you meet someone. It’s polite and sets a respectful tone.
7. どうぞよろしくお願いします (Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu)
Often follows Hajimemashite and expresses your desire to have a good relationship with the person. It’s essential in business and social introductions.
Everyday Courtesy Phrases
While not strictly greetings, these phrases are used frequently in daily Japanese and help you communicate smoothly and respectfully.
8. ありがとう / ありがとうございます (Arigatou / Arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank You
Use Arigatou casually.
Use Arigatou gozaimasu in formal settings or with people you don’t know well.
9. すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse Me / Sorry / Thank You
A versatile phrase used to get attention, say sorry, or express gratitude when someone helps you. It’s polite and very useful in public spaces.
Tips for Sounding Natural
Practice pronunciation by listening to native speakers on YouTube, podcasts, or language apps.
Use greetings daily—even if you’re alone, say them out loud to build muscle memory.
Learn the right body language, like bowing slightly when greeting someone, especially in formal situations.
Match formality—use polite forms in public and casual forms with close friends.
By learning and using these Japanese greetings, you’ll gain more than just vocabulary—you’ll build the confidence to interact naturally and respectfully in everyday conversations. From saying “Ohayou gozaimasu” in the morning to ending your night with “Oyasuminasai,” these greetings will help you navigate Japanese culture with ease.
At Japanese Language Coaching, we help learners speak with confidence by focusing on real-world communication. Start with greetings, and you’re already well on your way to sounding more fluent and respectful in Japanese.
Ready to practice? Say Konnichiwa to your Japanese journey today!