30+ Japanese Greetings for Every Situation

Why Japanese Greetings Matter

In Japan, greetings are not optional social niceties — they are essential expressions that signal respect, awareness, and belonging. The Japanese word for greeting, 挨拶 (あいさつ / aisatsu), carries far more weight than its English equivalent. From the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep, specific greetings mark every transition in your day: leaving home, arriving at work, eating meals, finishing tasks, and returning home at night.

For Japanese learners, greetings are the perfect starting point. They are among the first words tested on the JLPT N5, they give you immediate practical use of the language, and they open doors to deeper cultural understanding. Unlike vocabulary that you might only use in specific contexts, greetings are words you will use every single day. This guide covers over 30 greetings organized by situation, with both formal and casual variants, pronunciation in hiragana and romaji, and the cultural context you need to use each one correctly.

Daily Greetings: Time-of-Day Expressions

Japanese daily greetings are closely tied to the time of day. Unlike English, where "hello" works at any hour, Japanese speakers are expected to choose the greeting that matches the current time period. Using the wrong time-based greeting sounds unnatural and can cause confusion.

1. おはようございます (ohayou gozaimasu) — Good Morning

Formal: おはようございます (おはようございます / ohayou gozaimasu). Used from waking up until approximately 10-11 AM. This is the standard polite morning greeting used with coworkers, acquaintances, neighbors, and anyone who is not a close friend or family member. It literally derives from the adjective 早い (はやい / hayai), meaning "early."

Casual: おはよう (おはよう / ohayou). Used among friends, family members, and close colleagues of the same rank. Dropping ございます (gozaimasu) makes the greeting significantly more casual. Children greet their parents with おはよう, and close coworkers often use this shortened form with each other. Interestingly, in some industries like the entertainment and service industry, おはようございます is used as a general "hello" regardless of the time of day when you first see a colleague during a shift.

2. こんにちは (konnichiwa) — Hello / Good Afternoon

Standard: こんにちは (こんにちは / konnichiwa). Used from late morning (around 11 AM) through the afternoon until early evening. This is the most universally recognized Japanese greeting and works in almost any semi-formal to formal daytime situation. The は at the end is the topic particle, pronounced "wa" rather than "ha." Historically, こんにちは was the beginning of a longer phrase like 今日はお元気ですか (きょうはおげんきですか / kyou wa ogenki desu ka) — "as for today, are you well?" — that was shortened over time.

Casual alternatives: Among close friends, you might hear やあ (yaa), よう (you), or simply おう (ou) as very casual hellos. Young people also use ういっす (uissu) or うぃーっす (wiissu) as ultra-casual greetings, though these should never be used in formal settings. There is no true "casual form" of こんにちは itself — it is either used as-is or replaced entirely with a casual alternative.

3. こんばんは (konbanwa) — Good Evening

Standard: こんばんは (こんばんは / konbanwa). Used from early evening (around 5-6 PM) onward. Like こんにちは, the は is the topic particle pronounced "wa." This greeting is appropriate for anyone you encounter during the evening hours — neighbors, shopkeepers, colleagues at evening events, and so on. It derives from 今晩 (こんばん / konban), meaning "this evening."

Casual: In casual settings, こんばんは is often simply skipped in favor of a general casual greeting like よう (you) or おう (ou), or people may jump straight into conversation without a formal evening greeting. The distinction between afternoon and evening greetings is less strictly observed among close friends.

4. おやすみなさい (oyasuminasai) — Good Night

Formal: おやすみなさい (おやすみなさい / oyasuminasai). Said when parting ways at night or when someone is going to bed. Unlike English "good night," which can be used as a greeting when you first see someone at night, おやすみなさい is exclusively a farewell — you say it when the interaction is ending or when someone is heading to sleep. It comes from the verb 休む (やすむ / yasumu) — to rest.

Casual: おやすみ (おやすみ / oyasumi). Used among family and friends. Parents say おやすみ to children, friends say it when ending a late-night phone call, and roommates say it before heading to their rooms. This is one of the most commonly used casual greetings in daily home life.

Meeting People: Introductions and First Encounters

Meeting someone for the first time in Japan follows a well-defined script. Knowing these expressions — and using them in the right order — is essential for making a good first impression in both social and professional contexts.

5. はじめまして (hajimemashite) — Nice to Meet You

Standard: はじめまして (はじめまして / hajimemashite). This is the opening phrase of a Japanese self-introduction, used exclusively when meeting someone for the first time. It literally means "for the first time" and comes from the verb 始める (はじめる / hajimeru) — to begin. You say this before stating your name. Using はじめまして when you have already met someone is a social error that suggests you do not remember them — which can be quite embarrassing.

6. よろしくお願いします (yoroshiku onegaishimasu) — Please Treat Me Favorably

Formal: よろしくお願いします (よろしくおねがいします / yoroshiku onegaishimasu). This is arguably the most important phrase in Japanese social interaction. It closes a self-introduction, but it is also used when asking someone for a favor, starting a project together, beginning a business meeting, or any time you are establishing or reinforcing a relationship. There is no direct English equivalent — it combines "please treat me well," "I look forward to working with you," and "thank you in advance" into one expression.

Very formal: どうぞよろしくお願いいたします (douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu). Used in business settings and with people of significantly higher status. The addition of どうぞ (douzo) adds emphasis, and いたします (itashimasu) is the humble form of します (shimasu).

Casual: よろしく (yoroshiku) or よろしくね (yoroshiku ne). Used among peers and in relaxed social settings. Young people meeting through friends might simply say よろしく with a smile and a nod.

7. お元気ですか (ogenki desu ka) — How Are You?

Formal: お元気ですか (おげんきですか / ogenki desu ka). This translates to "are you well?" but unlike the English "how are you?" — which is used as a routine greeting — お元気ですか is typically reserved for people you have not seen in a while. Using it with someone you see every day sounds unnatural. The standard response is はい、元気です (はい、げんきです / hai, genki desu) — "yes, I am well," or おかげさまで (okagesamade) — "thanks to you (I am well)."

Casual: 元気？ (げんき / genki?) among friends. This is the Japanese equivalent of a casual "how's it going?" and is commonly used when meeting a friend you have not seen recently.

Workplace Greetings: Office and Business Expressions

Japanese workplace greetings form their own category because office culture in Japan follows specific linguistic conventions. These expressions are critical for anyone planning to work in Japan or interact with Japanese business contacts. Understanding keigo (honorific speech) becomes especially important in professional settings.

8. お疲れ様です (otsukaresama desu) — Thank You for Your Hard Work

Formal: お疲れ様です (おつかれさまです / otsukaresama desu). This is the single most versatile workplace greeting in Japanese. It literally acknowledges someone's tiredness from hard work, but in practice it functions as a general-purpose hello, goodbye, thank you, and acknowledgment among colleagues. You can use it when greeting coworkers during the day, when someone finishes a presentation or project, when leaving the office, and even as an opening line in work emails. If you only learn one workplace phrase, make it this one.

Casual: お疲れ (おつかれ / otsukare) or お疲れさま (おつかれさま / otsukaresama). Common among colleagues of similar rank. Very close colleagues might even shorten it to おつ (otsu) in text messages.

9. お先に失礼します (osaki ni shitsurei shimasu) — Excuse Me for Leaving First

Formal: お先に失礼します (おさきにしつれいします / osaki ni shitsurei shimasu). Said when you leave the office before your colleagues. In Japanese work culture, leaving before others can feel awkward, and this phrase smooths the transition by politely acknowledging that you are departing while others are still working. It literally means "excuse my rudeness in going first." Your remaining colleagues will typically respond with お疲れ様でした (おつかれさまでした / otsukaresama deshita) — the past tense form, acknowledging your completed work for the day.

Casual: お先に (おさきに / osaki ni) — "ahead of you" or just "I'm heading out." Used among close colleagues in relaxed workplaces.

10. お邪魔します (ojama shimasu) — Excuse Me for Intruding

Standard: お邪魔します (おじゃまします / ojama shimasu). Said when entering someone's home or private office. It literally means "I am going to be a bother" and expresses humility about entering someone else's space. When leaving, you say お邪魔しました (おじゃましました / ojama shimashita) — the past tense, meaning "I have been a bother." This phrase reflects the deep Japanese cultural value of not imposing on others.

Meal Greetings: Before and After Eating

Japan has specific expressions for the beginning and end of every meal. These are not optional — skipping them is considered poor manners, even in casual settings. They reflect the Japanese cultural emphasis on gratitude and mindfulness in daily activities.

11. いただきます (itadakimasu) — I Humbly Receive (Before Eating)

Standard: いただきます (いただきます / itadakimasu). Said before eating any meal, from a formal dinner to a quick snack. Everyone at the table says it together, often with hands pressed together in a brief prayer-like gesture. It expresses gratitude to everyone involved in bringing the food to your table — the cook, the farmer, and the ingredients themselves. There is no casual variant because the expression is already considered a universal form used by everyone regardless of the setting. Even children are taught to say いただきます from a very young age. Forgetting to say it in front of Japanese hosts is one of the most noticeable etiquette mistakes a foreigner can make.

12. ごちそうさまでした (gochisousama deshita) — Thank You for the Meal (After Eating)

Formal: ごちそうさまでした (ごちそうさまでした / gochisousama deshita). Said after finishing a meal. The word ごちそう (gochisou) comes from 馳走 (ちそう / chisou), which originally referred to running around to gather ingredients for a feast — so the phrase acknowledges the effort that went into preparing the food. This is used in restaurants (you can say it to the staff as you leave), at someone's home, and at your own dinner table.

Casual: ごちそうさま (ごちそうさま / gochisousama). Dropping でした makes it slightly more casual. Among very close friends, you might even hear ごちそうさん (gochisousan), though this is quite informal.

Coming and Going: Home Departure and Return

Japanese has a beautiful set of paired greetings for leaving and returning home. These expressions are exchanged between household members every day and are among the most culturally distinctive Japanese greetings. They always come in pairs — one for the person leaving and one for the person staying.

13. いってきます (ittekimasu) — I'm Off / I'll Go and Come Back

Standard: いってきます (いってきます / ittekimasu). Said by the person leaving the house. It literally combines 行って (いって / itte) — "going" — with きます (kimasu) — "will come back," creating a promise to go out and return safely. This is said when leaving for work, school, errands, or any reason. It is deeply ingrained — many Japanese people feel uncomfortable leaving home without saying it, even if they live alone (some say it to their pets or even to the empty house).

Casual: いってくる (いってくる / ittekuru). The informal version using the plain form of くる (kuru) instead of きます (kimasu). Used among family and roommates.

14. いってらっしゃい (itterasshai) — Have a Good Trip / Go and Come Back Safely

Standard: いってらっしゃい (いってらっしゃい / itterasshai). The response from the person staying behind when someone says いってきます. It uses the respectful form of 来る (くる / kuru), essentially saying "please go and please come back." This is a warm send-off that wishes the departing person safety and a good day. Parents say it to children heading to school, spouses say it to each other, and it is heard in workplaces when a colleague leaves for an outside meeting.

15. ただいま (tadaima) — I'm Home / I'm Back

Standard: ただいま (ただいま / tadaima). Said upon arriving home. It is a shortened form of ただいま帰りました (tadaima kaerimashita) — "I have just now returned." This greeting completes the cycle that began with いってきます and signals to everyone in the house that you are back safely. It is used regardless of formality level and by people of all ages.

16. おかえりなさい (okaerinasai) — Welcome Home / Welcome Back

Formal: おかえりなさい (おかえりなさい / okaerinasai). The response when someone says ただいま. It comes from the verb 帰る (かえる / kaeru) — to return — with the honorific お (o) prefix and なさい (nasai), a polite imperative. It warmly acknowledges the person's return and welcomes them back into the shared space.

Casual: おかえり (おかえり / okaeri). The shortened casual form used among family members and close friends. This is the most commonly heard version in everyday home life.

Apologies: Saying Sorry and Excuse Me

Japanese apology expressions serve multiple functions beyond simply saying sorry. They are used to get attention, express gratitude, show humility, and of course, apologize for mistakes. Knowing the right apology for each situation is essential for smooth social interactions. Understanding the nuances requires familiarity with Japanese particles and sentence patterns.

17. すみません (sumimasen) — Excuse Me / I'm Sorry

Standard: すみません (すみません / sumimasen). The Swiss Army knife of Japanese apology expressions. Use it to apologize for a minor mistake, get a waiter's attention in a restaurant, ask a stranger for directions, squeeze past someone on a train, or even thank someone for a favor (because you are "sorry" for the trouble they went through). It comes from the verb 済む (すむ / sumu) — to be finished or settled — with the negative ending, so it literally means "it is not settled," implying your debt of gratitude or apology is not yet resolved.

Very formal: 申し訳ございません (もうしわけございません / moushiwake gozaimasen). Used in business contexts for serious apologies. This literally means "there is no excuse" and carries significant weight.

18. ごめんなさい (gomen nasai) — I'm Sorry

Standard: ごめんなさい (ごめんなさい / gomen nasai). A more personal, direct apology than すみません. While すみません is versatile and polite, ごめんなさい is specifically an apology — you are admitting fault and asking for forgiveness. It is commonly used between friends, family members, and in situations where you have clearly caused a problem.

Casual: ごめん (ごめん / gomen) or ごめんね (ごめんね / gomen ne). The abbreviated form used among close friends. Adding ね (ne) softens the apology and makes it sound more heartfelt. Very young children are taught to say ごめんなさい, while ごめん is the form most commonly heard among friends and siblings.

Expressing Gratitude: Thank You

19. ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) — Thank You

Formal: ありがとうございます (ありがとうございます / arigatou gozaimasu). The standard polite thank-you used in shops, restaurants, workplaces, and with anyone who is not a close friend. It comes from the adjective 有り難い (ありがたい / arigatai), meaning "rare" or "difficult to have" — so the underlying meaning is "what you have done is so rare and precious." For thanking someone for a past action, use the past tense: ありがとうございました (arigatou gozaimashita).

Casual: ありがとう (ありがとう / arigatou). Used among friends and family. Even more casual is サンキュー (sankyuu), borrowed from the English "thank you" and used mainly by younger people in very relaxed settings.

20. どうも (doumo) — Thanks (Abbreviated)

Casual: どうも (どうも / doumo). A very versatile abbreviated expression that can mean "thanks," "hi," or "sorry" depending on context. On its own, it serves as a quick, casual thank-you. Combined with ありがとう, it becomes どうもありがとう (doumo arigatou) — a slightly warmer thank-you. どうもありがとうございます (doumo arigatou gozaimasu) is the most emphatic and polite version. You will hear どうも used as a general casual greeting when Japanese people encounter acquaintances and want to acknowledge them without a full formal greeting.

Saying Goodbye: Farewell Expressions

Japanese has many ways to say goodbye, and the choice depends heavily on the situation, your relationship with the person, and whether you expect to see them again soon. Contrary to what many textbooks teach, さようなら is not the go-to goodbye for most daily situations.

21. さようなら (sayounara) — Goodbye (Formal / Final)

Formal: さようなら (さようなら / sayounara). Despite being the most famous Japanese farewell internationally, さようなら carries a sense of finality. It implies a long separation or even a permanent goodbye. It is used by schoolchildren when class ends, in formal situations, or when you genuinely do not expect to see the person again for a significant period. Using it with a friend you see daily would sound oddly dramatic and might cause concern. The word comes from 左様ならば (さようならば / sayounaraba), meaning "if that is the way it is," — a philosophical acceptance of parting.

22. じゃあね (jaa ne) — See Ya / Bye

Casual: じゃあね (じゃあね / jaa ne). The most common casual goodbye among friends and peers. It is equivalent to "see ya" or "bye" in English. Variations include じゃあまたね (jaa mata ne) — "see you again," じゃあまた (jaa mata) — "well then, again," and simply じゃあ (jaa) or じゃ (ja). These are all interchangeable in casual situations and are by far the most frequently used farewells in everyday Japanese conversation.

23. また明日 (mata ashita) — See You Tomorrow

Standard: また明日 (またあした / mata ashita). A specific farewell used when you know you will see the person the next day — common among classmates, daily coworkers, and neighbors. また (mata) means "again" and 明日 (あした / ashita) means "tomorrow." You can substitute other time words: また来週 (またらいしゅう / mata raishuu) — "see you next week," また今度 (またこんど / mata kondo) — "see you next time," or simply また (mata) — "again / see you."

24. 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu) — Excuse Me / I Must Go

Formal: 失礼します (しつれいします / shitsurei shimasu). A polite farewell used in formal and professional settings. It literally means "I will be rude" — acknowledging that your departure might be seen as impolite. This is commonly used when leaving a meeting room, ending a phone call, or exiting a superior's office. The past tense 失礼しました (shitsurei shimashita) is used after the fact, such as when you have already interrupted someone.

Seasonal and Situational Greetings

Beyond everyday greetings, Japanese has expressions for specific situations and seasons. These show cultural awareness and will impress native speakers when used correctly.

25. お久しぶりです (ohisashiburi desu) — Long Time No See

Formal: お久しぶりです (おひさしぶりです / ohisashiburi desu). Used when meeting someone you have not seen for a significant period — usually weeks or months. The casual version is 久しぶり (ひさしぶり / hisashiburi), commonly used among friends. This is one of the most satisfying greetings to use because it immediately establishes warmth and acknowledges the time that has passed.

26. あけましておめでとうございます (akemashite omedetou gozaimasu) — Happy New Year

Formal: あけましておめでとうございます (あけましておめでとうございます / akemashite omedetou gozaimasu). The standard New Year greeting, used when seeing someone for the first time in the new year. It is often followed by 今年もよろしくお願いします (ことしもよろしくおねがいします / kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu) — "please treat me well this year too." The casual version is あけおめ (akeome), a popular abbreviation among young people, especially in text messages.

27. よいお年を (yoi otoshi wo) — Have a Good New Year

Standard: よいお年を (よいおとしを / yoi otoshi wo). Said at the end of the year, typically in December, when you know you will not see the person again until after New Year. It is a shortened form of よいお年をお迎えください (yoi otoshi wo omukae kudasai) — "please welcome a good new year." This seasonal farewell is expected in year-end interactions and demonstrates cultural awareness.

28. おめでとうございます (omedetou gozaimasu) — Congratulations

Formal: おめでとうございます (おめでとうございます / omedetou gozaimasu). Used for congratulations on birthdays, weddings, promotions, graduations, and other celebrations. Casual: おめでとう (おめでとう / omedetou). The expression works for any happy occasion and is one of the first celebratory phrases JLPT N5 learners should master.

29. お大事に (odaiji ni) — Take Care / Get Well Soon

Standard: お大事に (おだいじに / odaiji ni). Said to someone who is sick or injured. It is a shortened form of お大事にしてください (odaiji ni shite kudasai) — "please take care of yourself." You will hear it at hospitals, pharmacies, and whenever someone mentions they are feeling unwell. It is a simple but deeply appreciated expression of concern.

30. いらっしゃいませ (irasshaimase) — Welcome

Formal: いらっしゃいませ (いらっしゃいませ / irasshaimase). You will hear this the moment you walk into any shop, restaurant, or business in Japan. It is a formal welcome from staff to customers and uses the honorific verb いらっしゃる (irassharu), the respectful form of いる (iru) — to be, 来る (くる / kuru) — to come, and 行く (いく / iku) — to go. As a customer, you do not need to respond — a nod or smile is sufficient. This is a one-directional greeting used exclusively by service staff.

31. お待たせしました (omatase shimashita) — Sorry to Have Kept You Waiting

Formal: お待たせしました (おまたせしました / omatase shimashita). Used when you arrive late to a meeting or when serving food or delivering something that took a while. It is commonly heard in restaurants when your food arrives and in business settings when a meeting participant arrives after others. The casual version is お待たせ (おまたせ / omatase) or ごめん、待った？ (gomen, matta?) — "sorry, did you wait?"

32. 気をつけて (ki wo tsukete) — Be Careful / Take Care

Standard: 気をつけて (きをつけて / ki wo tsukete). A farewell expression meaning "be careful" or "take care," used when someone is about to travel, go out in bad weather, or do something potentially risky. It literally means "attach your spirit" or "pay attention." The more polite version is 気をつけてください (ki wo tsukete kudasai). Parents say it to children, friends say it to each other before long trips, and it demonstrates genuine concern for the other person's safety.

Quick Reference: All 32 Greetings at a Glance

Here is a summary table of every greeting covered in this guide, organized by category. Bookmark this page and refer back to it as you encounter these expressions in your Japanese studies.

Tips for Mastering Japanese Greetings

Knowing the words is only half the battle. Here are practical strategies for using Japanese greetings naturally and confidently.

Tip 1: Match the formality level to the situation. The most common mistake learners make is using the wrong formality level. When in doubt, err on the side of being more formal — using おはようございます instead of おはよう with a new acquaintance is always safer than the reverse. You can always adjust to casual speech once the other person signals it is appropriate. Our keigo guide covers formality levels in depth.

Tip 2: Practice greetings in pairs. Many Japanese greetings come in natural pairs: いってきます and いってらっしゃい, ただいま and おかえりなさい, いただきます and ごちそうさまでした. Learning them together helps you understand the social exchange and makes recall easier.

Tip 3: Use spaced repetition for long-term retention. Add each greeting to your flashcard deck and review them regularly. Unlike vocabulary words that you might encounter rarely, greetings should be at your fingertips at all times. Spaced repetition ensures they stay fresh without overloading your daily review sessions.

Tip 4: Bow appropriately. Many Japanese greetings are accompanied by a bow. A slight nod of the head works for casual greetings, while deeper bows (15-30 degrees) are appropriate for formal situations like meeting someone new or expressing sincere gratitude or apology. You do not need to master the exact angles — the key principle is that more formal situations call for deeper bows.

Tip 5: Listen and mimic native speakers. Pay attention to the intonation, speed, and rhythm of greetings when watching Japanese media or interacting with native speakers. Japanese greetings often have a musical quality — the pitch rises and falls in specific patterns that differ from English. For example, こんにちは has a distinctive pitch pattern that flat English pronunciation would miss. Watching how characters in Japanese dramas and anime use greetings in context is an excellent way to internalize the natural rhythm.

Tip 6: Start using greetings immediately. Do not wait until you feel "ready" — start incorporating Japanese greetings into your daily life right now. Say おはよう to yourself in the mirror each morning, say いただきます before every meal, and say おやすみ before bed. This daily practice builds the automatic habit that makes greetings feel natural rather than rehearsed. If you have Japanese friends or language exchange partners, make a point of using the appropriate greeting every time you interact.

Frequently Asked Questions