Japanese Greetings: Basic Phrases for Different Times and Situations

Hello! I’m U-shi!

Today, I’d like to share with you how to greet in Japanese!

Greetings in Japan vary widely depending on the situation and time of day. Below, I’ll introduce some of the basic greetings commonly used in everyday life.

Beneath the phrases, there is a recording of my voice. Please listen carefully to how I pronounce them and try to imitate it!

Once you are able to say all of these well, you will be able to greet in Japanese!

Greetings According to the Time of Day

1. Good morning (おはようございます) – Used in the morning. In casual settings among close friends or family, you can simply say “おはよう.

Good morning (おはようございます)

Good morning (おはよう)

2. Hello/Good afternoon (こんにちは) – Used during the daytime and suitable for a wide range of situations.

Hello/Good afternoon (こんにちは)

3. Good evening (こんばんは) – Used in the evening or after dusk.

Good evening (こんばんは)

Greetings to Express Gratitude and Apologies

1. Thank you (ありがとうございます) – Used when receiving something or expressing gratitude for someone’s actions.

Thank you (ありがとうございます)

2. Excuse me/I’m sorry (すみません) – Used for light apologies or when asking for a favor.

Excuse me/I’m sorry (すみません)

3. You’re welcome (どういたしまして) – Used in response to someone saying “thank you.”

You’re welcome (どういたしまして)

Other Common Greetings

1. Excuse me (しつれいします,失礼します) – Used before starting something, leaving a room, or even ending a phone call.

Excuse me (しつれいします,失礼します)

2. Thank you for your hard work (おつかれさまです,お疲れ様です) – Commonly used in work settings to acknowledge someone’s effort. It can be used at the end of the workday or during breaks.

Thank you for your hard work (おつかれさまです,お疲れ様です)

3. I’m leaving / Take care (いってきます / いってらっしゃい) – Said by someone leaving the house, with “いってきます,” and “いってらっしゃい” as the response by someone staying.

I’m leaving(いってきます,行ってきます)

Take care(いってらっしゃい,行ってらっしゃい)

4. I’m home / Welcome back (ただいま / おかえりなさい) – “ただいま” is said by someone returning home, and “おかえりなさい” is the response from someone at home.

I’m home(ただいま)

Welcome back(おかえりなさい)

Finally

These greetings play a very important role in everyday life in Japan, forming the basis of social etiquette and communication. Using the appropriate greeting for each situation is key to building smooth interpersonal relationships.
Make sure to master these Japanese greetings!