KaiwaGoBasic Greetings in Japanese
18 Japanese phrases for basic greetings, for example また後で (See you later).
Japanese greetings change with the time of day and how well you know the person. おはようございます is used until about 10–11 a.m., こんにちは during the day and こんばんは in the evening. With friends and family the short forms おはよう or やあ are common.
Hands-free listening
Play every phrase in order with its English meaning between the repeats. Keep the page open and listen while you do something else.
| Japanese | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| おはようございます ohayougozaimasu | Good morning | |
| こんにちは konnichiha | A greeting used during the daytime; it can also be used when meeting someone for the first time that day, whether it is daytime or evening | |
| こんばんは konbanha | Good evening | |
| お会いできて、嬉しいです | Nice to meet you! | |
| またお目に掛かれて嬉しいです | I'm very glad to see you again | |
| お久しぶりです | Long time no see | |
| お元気ですか | How are you? | |
| 最近どうですか | How have you been lately? | |
| 調子はどうですか | How is your work going? | |
| さようなら sayounara | Goodbye! | |
| お休みなさい | Good night! | |
| また後で | See you later! | |
| 気をつけて | Take care! | |
| 貴方のお父様によろしくお伝え下さい | Please give my regards to your father! | |
| またよろしくお願いします | I look forward to your help again next time | |
| こちらは私の名刺です | This is my business card | |
| では、また deha,mata | See you again soon! | |
| 頑張って！ | Do your best, hang in there! |
Usage notes
- Bow slightly when greeting someone; a small nod is enough in casual situations.
- さようなら sounds final and is not used with colleagues you will see tomorrow; お先に失礼します is said when leaving the office.
- はじめまして is only used the first time you meet someone.
FAQ
How do you say hello in Japanese?
こんにちは (konnichiwa) is the standard daytime hello. In the morning say おはようございます (ohayō gozaimasu) and in the evening こんばんは (konbanwa).
How do you say goodbye in Japanese?
さようなら (sayōnara) is a formal goodbye. With friends じゃあね or またね (see you) is more common, and at work people say お疲れ様でした.