Japan is known for its rich culture, polite manners, and unique language. One of the first things any Japanese learner wants to know is how to say “hi.” Unlike English, where “hi” is a universal greeting, Japanese has multiple ways to greet someone, depending on the context, level of formality, and relationship with the person you’re addressing. In this guide, we’ll break down different greetings, their meanings, pronunciation tips, and common mistakes to avoid.
1. Basic Greetings: Saying Hi in Japanese
Konnichiwa – The Standard Greeting
- Pronunciation: koh-nee-chee-wah
- Usage: This is the most common greeting, equivalent to “hello” in English, but it is primarily used during the daytime (late morning to early evening).
- Cultural Note: While “konnichiwa” is a great greeting for formal or neutral situations, it is rarely used among close friends.
Ya Yo – Casual Hi
- Pronunciation: yah / yo
- Usage: Very informal, mainly used among young people, close friends, or in relaxed situations.
- Cultural Note: Avoid using these in business or formal settings, as they may sound too casual.
Ohayou Ohayou gozaimasu – Good Morning
- Pronunciation: oh-ha-yo / oh-ha-yo go-zai-masu
- Usage: “Ohayou” is informal and used with friends or family, while “Ohayou gozaimasu” is the polite form used in workplaces or formal settings.
- Cultural Note: Even if it’s past morning hours, you may still hear “ohayou gozaimasu” in workplaces, as it is commonly used as a general work greeting.
Konbanwa – Good Evening
- Pronunciation: kon-ban-wah
- Usage: Used in the evening when greeting someone.
- Cultural Note: Unlike “konnichiwa,” “konbanwa” is not used casually between friends but rather in polite or neutral settings.
2. Formal and Business Greetings
Hajimemashite – Nice to Meet You
- Pronunciation: ha-ji-me-ma-shi-te
- Usage: Used when meeting someone for the first time.
- Cultural Note: Usually followed by a self-introduction.
Irasshaimase – Welcome (for Customers)
- Pronunciation: ee-rah-sshai-ma-seh
- Usage: Used by shopkeepers and restaurant staff to welcome customers.
- Cultural Note: This is not a phrase customers use back to the staff.
3. Slang and Regional Greetings
Chiwaasu – Slang for Konnichiwa
- Pronunciation: chi-wa-ss
- Usage: Used by younger people, often in sports teams or among friends.
Maido – Kansai Dialect Greeting
- Pronunciation: my-do
- Usage: Common in the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto) and often used by merchants.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mixing Formal and Informal Greetings Inappropriately
- Using “yo” in a business meeting is inappropriate.
- Using “ohayou gozaimasu” with close friends may feel too stiff.
Overusing “Konnichiwa”
- While “konnichiwa” is a useful greeting, native speakers often use “ohayou gozaimasu” or simply nod in daily conversations.
5. Practical Examples
| Situation | Greeting to Use | |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting a friend at school | Yo | |
| Entering an office in the morning | Ohayou gozaimasu | |
| Meeting a new business client | Hajimemashite | |
| Greeting a customer in a store | Irasshaimase | |
| Saying hello in the evening | Konbanwa |
Conclusion
Mastering Japanese greetings is essential for learning the language and understanding Japanese culture. Whether you’re greeting a friend, a stranger, or a business partner, choosing the right expression can make all the difference. Start practicing these greetings, and soon enough, saying “hi” in Japanese will feel natural to you!
