Translation guide
A polite daytime greeting, similar to 'hello' or 'have a nice day'. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the appropriate expression depends on the time of day, formality, and whether you are greeting someone or wishing them well.
You want to say 'hello' to someone in a polite or friendly way during daytime hours.
The standard daytime greeting, used from late morning until early evening. It is polite and can be used in most situations, but is slightly formal. Not typically used with close friends or family.
こんにちは、今日はいい天気ですね。
Good day, it's nice weather today, isn't it?
Used in the morning. If it is still morning, this is more natural than こんにちは.
おはようございます。今日はいい日になりそうです。
Good day. It looks like it's going to be a nice day today.
Japanese greetings are highly time-sensitive. Use おはようございます (morning), こんにちは (daytime), or こんばんは (evening). There is no single 'good day' that works all day.
（朝）おはようございます。
Good day. (morning)
（昼）こんにちは。
Good day. (daytime)
You want to wish someone a pleasant day, often as a farewell.
A direct translation of 'have a good day'. It is understood but can sound slightly formal or translated. Commonly used in service contexts or written messages.
それでは、良い一日を。
Well then, have a good day.
Said to someone leaving the house, similar to 'have a good day' or 'see you later'. Very natural and common in daily life.
学校に行くの？いってらっしゃい。
Off to school? Have a good day.
Means 'see you later'. Often used instead of a direct 'have a good day' in casual settings.
じゃあ、また後で。良い一日を！
See you later. Have a good day!
You want to use a very formal or dated greeting similar to 'good day' in English.
This is the kanji spelling of こんにちは, but using it in writing can appear old-fashioned or overly formal. In modern Japanese, こんにちは is almost always written in hiragana.
今日は、ご機嫌いかがですか。
Good day, how are you?
こんにちは is only a greeting, not a farewell. To say 'have a good day' when parting, use 良い一日を or a more natural phrase like いってらっしゃい or また後で.
Japanese greetings change with the time of day. Using the wrong one can sound odd. Stick to おはようございます (morning), こんにちは (daytime), and こんばんは (evening).
A very formal and somewhat old-fashioned greeting, sometimes used in high-class settings or by older generations. Can be used for both hello and goodbye.
ごきげんよう、今日はお会いできて嬉しいです。
Good day, I'm pleased to meet you today.