20 Common Japanese Greetings – Hello, Goodbye & More Explained!
Learning basic Japanese greetings is essential for communication and showing respect in Japanese culture. Whether you are visiting Japan, studying the language, or connecting with Japanese friends, understanding these greetings will help you make a great first impression.
Greetings in Japan vary depending on the time of day, the formality of the situation, and the relationship between speakers. Mastering not just "hello" and "goodbye," but also special phrases for meetings, departures, congratulations, and apologies will make your conversations much smoother.
In this guide, we cover 20 of the most common and useful Japanese greetings. Many of them are simple but powerful phrases that you can use daily. Knowing when and how to use them will also help you sound more natural and polite when interacting with Japanese people. Let’s dive into the essential greetings you should know!
20 Common Japanese Greetings
1. Saying Hello in Japanese
Casual and Formal Ways to Say Hello:
γγγ«γ‘γ― (Konnichiwa)* – Hello (used during the daytime)*
γγ―γγγγγγΎγ (Ohayou gozaimasu)* – Good morning (formal)*
γγ―γγ (Ohayou)* – Good morning (casual)*
γγγ°γγ― (Konbanwa)* – Good evening*
γγ！(Yaa!) / γ！(Yo!)* – Hey! (Casual, used between friends)*
2. Saying Goodbye in Japanese
Common Ways to Say Goodbye:
γγγγͺγ (Sayounara)* – Goodbye (formal, long-term farewell)*
γγγγ (Jaa ne)* – See you (casual)*
γΎγγ (Mata ne)* – See you later*
γγ€γγ€ (Bai bai)* – Bye-bye (casual, often used by children and young adults)*
γγγγΏγͺγγ (Oyasuminasai)* – Good night (formal)*
γγγγΏ (Oyasumi)* – Good night (casual)*
3. Polite Japanese Greetings
When Meeting or Leaving Someone Politely:
γ―γγγΎγγ¦ (Hajimemashite)* – Nice to meet you (first-time introductions)*
γδΈθ©±γ«γͺγγΎγ (Osewa ni narimasu)* – Thank you for your support (formal, business use)*
ε€±η€ΌγγΎγ (Shitsurei shimasu)* – Excuse me (used when leaving a room or interrupting)*
θ‘γ£γ¦γγΎγ (Ittekimasu)* – I’m leaving (said by the person leaving home)*
θ‘γ£γ¦γγ£γγγ (Itterasshai)* – Take care (said to someone leaving home)*
γγ γγΎ (Tadaima)* – I’m home (used when returning home)*
γγγγγͺγγ (Okaerinasai)* – Welcome back (response to “Tadaima”)*
4. Special Occasion Greetings
Greetings for Special Situations:
γγγ§γ¨γγγγγΎγ (Omedetou gozaimasu)* – Congratulations (formal)*
γγγ§γ¨γ (Omedetou)* – Congrats (casual)*
θ―γγεΉ΄γ (Yoi otoshi o)* – Have a great new year (used at the end of the year)*
ζγγΎγγ¦γγγ§γ¨γγγγγΎγ (Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu)* – Happy New Year*
γθͺηζ₯γγγ§γ¨γ (Otanjoubi omedetou)* – Happy Birthday (casual)*
γθͺηζ₯γγγ§γ¨γγγγγΎγ (Otanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu)* – Happy Birthday (formal)*
5. Common Japanese Response Phrases
γ―γ (Hai)* – Yes*
γγγ (Iie)* – No*
γ©γγ (Doumo)* – Thanks (very casual)*
γγγγ¨γγγγγΎγ (Arigatou gozaimasu)* – Thank you (formal)*
γγΏγΎγγ (Sumimasen)* – Excuse me / I’m sorry / Thank you (polite way to get attention)*
6. Asking "How Are You?" in Japanese
When you meet someone, it's polite to ask about their wellbeing.
γε ζ°γ§γγ？ (Ogenki desu ka?) – Are you well? (Formal)
ε ζ°？ (Genki?) – You good? (Casual)
Use "Ogenki desu ka?" in formal settings like work, school, or meeting elders.
Use "Genki?" casually with friends, family, or peers.
π‘ Pro tip: Japanese people don’t usually expect a detailed answer — a simple "γ―γ、ε ζ°γ§γ" (Hai, genki desu) – "Yes, I’m good," is fine!
7. Long Time No See
If you haven't seen someone for a while, these greetings are perfect:
γδΉ γγΆγγ§γ (Ohisashiburi desu) – Long time no see (formal)
δΉ γγΆγ！ (Hisashiburi!) – Long time! (casual)
Use the formal version with coworkers, teachers, or acquaintances, and the casual version with close friends.
π‘ Pro tip: Smiling warmly while saying this makes your reunion even friendlier!
8. Welcoming Someone
There are two common ways to welcome someone:
γγγ£γγγγΎγ (Irasshaimase) – Welcome (used by store/shop staff)
γγγγ (Youkoso) – Welcome (general, to homes/events)
"Irasshaimase" is almost ritualistic in Japan — expect to hear it loudly when entering any store or restaurant. "Youkoso" feels warmer and is used when welcoming guests personally.
π‘ Listen carefully for "Irasshaimase!" shouted enthusiastically by shopkeepers!
9. Good Luck Wishes
Encouragement is key in Japanese culture:
ι εΌ΅γ£γ¦γγ γγ (Ganbatte kudasai) – Please do your best (formal)
ι εΌ΅γ£γ¦ (Ganbatte) – Good luck! (casual)
"Ganbatte" is used before exams, competitions, work challenges, and even emotional support moments.
π‘ Japanese people love using "Ganbatte!" — it shows solidarity and motivation.
10. Telling Someone "Take Care"
When someone is going away or starting a journey:
ζ°γγ€γγ¦ (Ki wo tsukete) – Take care (casual)
It shows genuine concern for their safety. You might say this if someone is leaving after a visit, heading home, or traveling somewhere.
π‘ You can pair it with a slight bow for added politeness.
11. Entering Someone’s Home
Before entering a private home or office, say:
γιͺιγγΎγ (Ojama shimasu) – Excuse me for disturbing you
This phrase shows humility and respect to the host. It's essential etiquette in Japanese culture.
π‘ Even if invited, always say "Ojama shimasu" when stepping inside.
12. Thanking Someone for Their Help
At the end of business interactions or long assistance:
γδΈθ©±γ«γͺγγΎγγ (Osewa ni narimashita) – Thank you for your support/help (formal)
It's often used when leaving a company, after staying at someone’s place, or finishing a project with someone's help.
π‘ In Japan, acknowledging people’s efforts is highly appreciated!
13. Holiday Greetings
During holiday seasons, these are useful:
γ‘γͺγΌγ―γͺγΉγγΉ (Merii Kurisumasu) – Merry Christmas
θ―γγεΉ΄γ (Yoi otoshi o) – Have a good New Year
"Yoi otoshi o" is said before New Year’s Day, especially in December when parting ways for the holidays.
π‘ Tip: On January 1st, switch to "ζγγΎγγ¦γγγ§γ¨γγγγγΎγ" (Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu) – Happy New Year!
14. Wedding Congratulations
For weddings or engagements:
γη΅ε©γγγ§γ¨γγγγγΎγ (Gokekkon omedetou gozaimasu) – Congratulations on your marriage
Use this at ceremonies, receptions, or when sending messages. It’s formal and expresses deep joy for the couple.
π‘ Saying it with a bow adds extra warmth and sincerity.
15. Apologizing for Waiting
If someone had to wait for you, say:
γεΎ γγγγΎγγ (Omatase shimashita) – Sorry to keep you waiting
It’s polite and commonly used in restaurants, shops, and even casual settings.
π‘ Staff often say this when finally serving you after a delay — you can use it too when you're late.
16. Welcome Home or Back
When someone comes home or returns:
γγγγγͺγγ (Okaerinasai) – Welcome back (formal)
γγγγ (Okaeri) – Welcome back (casual)
You’ll hear this at home between family members or among close friends.
π‘ After saying "γγ γγΎ" (Tadaima) – "I’m home," it’s natural to hear "Okaerinasai!"
17. See You Tomorrow
Before leaving a school, office, or friend's place, say:
γΎγζζ₯ (Mata ashita) – See you tomorrow
This is a simple and friendly way to express you’ll meet again the next day.
π‘ Teachers, coworkers, and students use this phrase often!
18. Deep Formal Apology
If you need a very serious apology:
η³γ訳γγγΎγγ (Moushiwake arimasen) – I deeply apologize
It’s used in business, accidents, or any serious mistakes requiring full responsibility.
π‘ Saying it with a deep bow shows utmost regret and sincerity.
19. Pleased to Meet You
During self-introductions or new meetings:
γγγγγι‘γγγΎγ (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) – Nice to meet you / Please treat me well
It expresses hope for a good relationship or collaboration moving forward.
π‘ Always combine it with "γ―γγγΎγγ¦" (Hajimemashite) for the first meeting.
20. Requesting Kindness (Building Relationships)
A very polite version of "Yoroshiku":
γ©γγγγγγγι‘γγγΎγ (Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu) – Thank you in advance / I look forward to working with you
Use this when requesting a favor, introducing yourself formally, or ending polite emails and letters.
π‘ It’s a small phrase, but it makes a huge impact on building trust in Japan.
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FAQs
1. What is the most common Japanese greeting?
“Konnichiwa” (γγγ«γ‘γ―) is the most common way to say hello during the day.
2. What is the difference between “Sayounara” and “Jaa ne”?
“Sayounara” is a more formal, long-term goodbye, while “Jaa ne” is a casual “See you.”
3. How do I greet someone in Japan politely?
Use “Ohayou gozaimasu” in the morning, “Konnichiwa” in the afternoon, and “Konbanwa” in the evening. Bowing slightly adds politeness.
4. How do I respond to “Tadaima” when someone comes home?
Say “Okaerinasai” to welcome them back.
5. What is a polite way to say “Excuse me” in Japanese?
“Sumimasen” (γγΏγΎγγ) is commonly used for apologies and getting attention, while “Shitsurei shimasu” (ε€±η€ΌγγΎγ) is used in formal situations.
Mastering these Japanese greetings will make your interactions smoother a
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