Learning basic Japanese greetings is essential for communication and showing respect in Japanese culture. Whether you are visiting Japan, studying the language, or connecting with Japanese friends, understanding these greetings will help you make a great first impression.

Greetings in Japan vary depending on the time of day, the formality of the situation, and the relationship between speakers. Mastering not just "hello" and "goodbye," but also special phrases for meetings, departures, congratulations, and apologies will make your conversations much smoother.

In this guide, we cover 20 of the most common and useful Japanese greetings. Many of them are simple but powerful phrases that you can use daily. Knowing when and how to use them will also help you sound more natural and polite when interacting with Japanese people. Let’s dive into the essential greetings you should know!

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20 Common Japanese Greetings

1. Saying Hello in Japanese

Casual and Formal Ways to Say Hello:

• こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello (used during the daytime)
• おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning (formal)
• おはよう (Ohayou) – Good morning (casual)
• こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good evening
• やあ！(Yaa!) / よ！(Yo!) – Hey! (Casual, used between friends)

2. Saying Goodbye in Japanese

Common Ways to Say Goodbye:

• さようなら (Sayounara) – Goodbye (formal, long-term farewell)
• じゃあね (Jaa ne) – See you (casual)
• またね (Mata ne) – See you later
• バイバイ (Bai bai) – Bye-bye (casual, often used by children and young adults)
• おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai) – Good night (formal)
• おやすみ (Oyasumi) – Good night (casual)

3. Polite Japanese Greetings

When Meeting or Leaving Someone Politely:

• はじめまして (Hajimemashite) – Nice to meet you (first-time introductions)
• お世話になります (Osewa ni narimasu) – Thank you for your support (formal, business use)
• 失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu) – Excuse me (used when leaving a room or interrupting)
• 行ってきます (Ittekimasu) – I’m leaving (said by the person leaving home)
• 行ってらっしゃい (Itterasshai) – Take care (said to someone leaving home)
• ただいま (Tadaima) – I’m home (used when returning home)
• おかえりなさい (Okaerinasai) – Welcome back (response to “Tadaima”)

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4. Special Occasion Greetings

Greetings for Special Situations:

• おめでとうございます (Omedetou gozaimasu) – Congratulations (formal)
• おめでとう (Omedetou) – Congrats (casual)
• 良いお年を (Yoi otoshi o) – Have a great new year (used at the end of the year)
• 明けましておめでとうございます (Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu)– Happy New Year
• お誕生日おめでとう (Otanjoubi omedetou) – Happy Birthday (casual)
• お誕生日おめでとうございます (Otanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu) – Happy Birthday (formal)

5. Common Japanese Response Phrases

• はい (Hai) – Yes
• いいえ (Iie) – No
• どうも (Doumo) – Thanks (very casual)
• ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you (formal)
• すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me / I’m sorry / Thank you (polite way to get attention)

6. Asking "How Are You?" in Japanese

When you meet someone, it's polite to ask about their wellbeing.

• お元気ですか？ (Ogenki desu ka?) – Are you well? (Formal)
   
• 元気？ (Genki?) – You good? (Casual)

Use "Ogenki desu ka?" in formal settings like work, school, or meeting elders.
Use "Genki?" casually with friends, family, or peers.

Pro tip: Japanese people don’t usually expect a detailed answer — a simple "はい、元気です" (Hai, genki desu) – "Yes, I’m good," is fine!

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7. Long Time No See

If you haven't seen someone for a while, these greetings are perfect:

• お久しぶりです (Ohisashiburi desu) – Long time no see (formal)
• 久しぶり！ (Hisashiburi!) – Long time! (casual)

Use the formal version with coworkers, teachers, or acquaintances, and the casual version with close friends.

Pro tip: Smiling warmly while saying this makes your reunion even friendlier!

8. Welcoming Someone

There are two common ways to welcome someone:

• いらっしゃいませ (Irasshaimase) – Welcome (used by store/shop staff)
• ようこそ (Youkoso) – Welcome (general, to homes/events)

"Irasshaimase" is almost ritualistic in Japan — expect to hear it loudly when entering any store or restaurant. "Youkoso" feels warmer and is used when welcoming guests personally.

Listen carefully for "Irasshaimase!" shouted enthusiastically by shopkeepers!

9. Good Luck Wishes

Encouragement is key in Japanese culture:

• 頑張ってください (Ganbatte kudasai) – Please do your best (formal)
• 頑張って (Ganbatte) – Good luck! (casual)

"Ganbatte" is used before exams, competitions, work challenges, and even emotional support moments.

Japanese people love using "Ganbatte!" — it shows solidarity and motivation.

10. Telling Someone "Take Care"

When someone is going away or starting a journey:

• 気をつけて (Ki wo tsukete) – Take care (casual)

It shows genuine concern for their safety. You might say this if someone is leaving after a visit, heading home, or traveling somewhere.

You can pair it with a slight bow for added politeness.

11. Entering Someone’s Home

Before entering a private home or office, say:

• お邪魔します (Ojama shimasu) – Excuse me for disturbing you

This phrase shows humility and respect to the host. It's essential etiquette in Japanese culture.

Even if invited, always say "Ojama shimasu" when stepping inside.

12. Thanking Someone for Their Help

At the end of business interactions or long assistance:

• お世話になりました (Osewa ni narimashita) – Thank you for your support/help (formal)

It's often used when leaving a company, after staying at someone’s place, or finishing a project with someone's help.

In Japan, acknowledging people’s efforts is highly appreciated!

13. Holiday Greetings

During holiday seasons, these are useful:

• メリークリスマス (Merii Kurisumasu) – Merry Christmas
• 良いお年を (Yoi otoshi o) – Have a good New Year

"Yoi otoshi o" is said before New Year’s Day, especially in December when parting ways for the holidays.

Tip: On January 1st, switch to "明けましておめでとうございます" (Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu) – Happy New Year!

14. Wedding Congratulations

For weddings or engagements:

• ご結婚おめでとうございます (Gokekkon omedetou gozaimasu) – Congratulations on your marriage

Use this at ceremonies, receptions, or when sending messages. It’s formal and expresses deep joy for the couple.

Saying it with a bow adds extra warmth and sincerity.

15. Apologizing for Waiting

If someone had to wait for you, say:

• お待たせしました (Omatase shimashita) – Sorry to keep you waiting

It’s polite and commonly used in restaurants, shops, and even casual settings.

Staff often say this when finally serving you after a delay — you can use it too when you're late.

16. Welcome Home or Back

When someone comes home or returns:

• おかえりなさい (Okaerinasai) – Welcome back (formal)
• おかえり (Okaeri) – Welcome back (casual)

You’ll hear this at home between family members or among close friends.

After saying "ただいま" (Tadaima) – "I’m home," it’s natural to hear “Okaerinasai!”

17. See You Tomorrow

Before leaving a school, office, or friend's place, say:

• また明日 (Mata ashita) – See you tomorrow

This is a simple and friendly way to express you’ll meet again the next day.

Teachers, coworkers, and students use this phrase often!

18. Deep Formal Apology

If you need a very serious apology:

• 申し訳ありません (Moushiwake arimasen) – I deeply apologize

It’s used in business, accidents, or any serious mistakes requiring full responsibility.

Saying it with a deep bow shows utmost regret and sincerity.

19. Pleased to Meet You

During self-introductions or new meetings:

• よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) – Nice to meet you / Please treat me well

It expresses hope for a good relationship or collaboration moving forward.

Always combine it with "はじめまして" (Hajimemashite) for the first meeting.

20. Requesting Kindness (Building Relationships)

A very polite version of "Yoroshiku":

• どうぞよろしくお願いします (Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu) – Thank you in advance / I look forward to working with you

Use this when requesting a favor, introducing yourself formally, or ending polite emails and letters.

It’s a small phrase, but it makes a huge impact on building trust in Japan.

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FAQs

1. What is the most common Japanese greeting?

“Konnichiwa” (こんにちは) is the most common way to say hello during the day.

2. What is the difference between “Sayounara” and “Jaa ne”?

“Sayounara” is a more formal, long-term goodbye, while “Jaa ne” is a casual “See you.”

3. How do I greet someone in Japan politely?

Use “Ohayou gozaimasu” in the morning, “Konnichiwa” in the afternoon, and “Konbanwa” in the evening. Bowing slightly adds politeness.

4. How do I respond to “Tadaima” when someone comes home?

Say “Okaerinasai” to welcome them back.

5. What is a polite way to say “Excuse me” in Japanese?

“Sumimasen” (すみません) is commonly used for apologies and getting attention, while “Shitsurei shimasu” (失礼します) is used in formal situations.