When learning Japanese, one of the most useful and culturally important areas to start with is greetings. In Japan, greetings are more than just polite expressions—they are key tools for showing respect, building relationships, and navigating social situations.
Whether you're planning a trip, learning the language, or communicating with Japanese colleagues or friends, these top 10 Japanese greetings will help you speak with confidence.
At Japanese Language Coaching, we teach practical, real-life Japanese—starting with the greetings that you’ll use every day. Here’s our guide to the top 10 Japanese greetings you should know.
1. おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good Morning
This is the standard way to say “Good morning” in Japanese and is used until around 10 AM.
-
Polite form: おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Use in formal situations or with people you don’t know well.
-
Casual form: おはよう (Ohayou) – Used with friends and family.
This greeting is a daily must and is especially important in work or school settings.
2. こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello / Good Afternoon
Konnichiwa is one of the most well-known Japanese greetings. It’s typically used from late morning until the early evening. While it literally means “good afternoon,” it functions like “hello” in many situations.
It’s polite and neutral, making it suitable for almost any social or public setting.
3. こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good Evening
Used in the evening, Konbanwa is a polite greeting when arriving somewhere after dark. It’s appropriate in both social and formal contexts, including when entering a restaurant, attending an event, or greeting someone at night.
4. さようなら (Sayounara) – Goodbye
While this is a standard and formal way to say goodbye, it's not used as often in everyday conversation as many beginners expect. It implies a longer or more permanent separation.
For casual or daily interactions, other expressions are more common, like “Mata ne” or “Ja ne,” which we’ll cover below.
5. じゃね (Ja ne) – See You / Bye
A friendly, casual way to say goodbye among friends. It’s the equivalent of “See ya!” and is often used between classmates or close acquaintances.
A slightly more polite variation is:
-
またね (Mata ne) – “See you later”
These expressions are more commonly used than Sayounara in informal settings.
6. はじめまして (Hajimemashite) – Nice to Meet You
Used when meeting someone for the first time, Hajimemashite is a formal and polite way to introduce yourself.
It’s usually followed by:
-
どうぞよろしくお願いします (Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu)
This phrase expresses the hope of a good relationship and is essential in Japanese introductions, especially in business or formal settings.
7. おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai) – Good Night
Say this before going to bed or when parting from someone in the evening.
-
Polite form: おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai)
-
Casual form: おやすみ (Oyasumi)
This is commonly used within families or close circles and is part of the daily routine in Japanese homes.
8. ありがとう (Arigatou) – Thank You
While not strictly a greeting, you’ll use this phrase often.
-
Polite form: ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)
-
Casual form: ありがとう (Arigatou)
Always use the polite version in public or with people you don’t know well. It's one of the most appreciated and versatile phrases in Japanese.
9. すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse Me / Sorry / Thank You
Another essential phrase, Sumimasen is used to:
-
Get someone’s attention (e.g., calling a waiter)
-
Lightly apologize
-
Thank someone who went out of their way for you
It’s very polite and can safely be used in most formal situations, especially when you’re unsure of what to say.
10. お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu) – Thank You for Your Hard Work
This common workplace expression is used to show appreciation for someone’s effort.
-
Say it to coworkers during or after work.
-
Use it when ending a meeting, finishing a project, or leaving the office.
It’s a hallmark of Japanese office culture and helps build a sense of teamwork and respect.
Final Tips for Learning Japanese Greetings
At Japanese Language Coaching, we recommend learners focus on:
-
Pronunciation: Practice with native speakers or language coaches to improve your accent.
-
Formality: Learn when to use polite or casual forms to avoid sounding too stiff—or too casual.
-
Cultural context: Greetings often include a slight bow. Watch how native speakers combine words and gestures.
-
Repetition and real-life use: The more you use these greetings in daily practice, the more natural they’ll become.
These top 10 Japanese greetings form the core of everyday conversation and are essential for polite, effective communication. Learning them will not only improve your language skills but also help you better understand Japanese culture and etiquette.
Whether you're preparing for travel, a language exchange, or a business meeting, these greetings will give you confidence in your first impression. At Japanese Language Coaching, we help learners speak naturally, clearly, and respectfully—starting with greetings that matter.