Translation guide
A common greeting used when meeting someone. Japanese has several equivalents depending on time of day, formality, and medium.
The speaker wants to greet someone in a neutral or friendly way, regardless of time of day.
The standard daytime greeting, used from late morning until evening. It literally means 'this day is...' but functions as 'hello' or 'good afternoon'. Not typically used among close friends or family in casual settings.
こんにちは、元気ですか？
Hello, how are you?
A casual, shortened greeting. Can be used alone as a light 'hello' or combined with other greetings. Common in informal situations.
どうも、久しぶり！
Hey, long time no see!
A very casual 'hi' or 'hey', used mainly by men or in relaxed settings. Not suitable for formal situations.
やあ、元気？
Hey, how's it going?
An extremely casual, masculine greeting used among close male friends. Derived from a martial arts greeting. Not appropriate in polite or mixed company.
The speaker is greeting someone specifically in the morning.
The speaker is greeting someone in the evening or at night.
The speaker is picking up the phone and greeting the caller.
The speaker is greeting someone they haven't seen in a while.
A polite way to say 'long time no see' or 'it's been a while'. Often used as a greeting when meeting someone after a long time.
お久しぶりです、お元気でしたか？
Hello, it's been a while. How have you been?
The speaker is announcing their arrival when entering someone's home or a room.
Literally 'I'm intruding', this is the standard greeting when entering someone's home. It acknowledges the imposition and shows politeness.
お邪魔します。わあ、素敵な部屋ですね。
Hello, thanks for having me. Wow, what a nice room!
The speaker wants to attract someone's attention, similar to saying 'hello?' or 'excuse me'.
こんにちは can sound distant or overly formal in very casual settings. With close friends, a simple やあ, どうも, or just a nod is more natural.
In many situations, a bow (お辞儀) is sufficient as a greeting, especially when passing by someone or in formal settings. You don't always need to say a word.
Yo, what's up?
The polite morning greeting, used until around 10-11 AM. Suitable for most situations, including workplace and with strangers.
おはようございます、今日はいい天気ですね。
Good morning, it's nice weather today, isn't it?
The casual morning greeting, used with friends, family, or close colleagues. Shortened from the polite form.
おはよう、よく寝た？
Morning, did you sleep well?
The standard evening greeting, used from around sunset onwards. Appropriate in both casual and polite contexts.
こんばんは、遅くなりました。
Good evening, sorry I'm late.
The standard telephone greeting, used when answering or when checking if the other person is still on the line. Not used in face-to-face conversation.
もしもし、田中ですが。
Hello, this is Tanaka.
The casual version of 'long time no see', used with friends and close acquaintances.
久しぶり！変わってないね。
Long time no see! You haven't changed.
Used to get someone's attention politely, like 'excuse me' or 'hello?' when approaching a stranger or service staff.
すみません、駅はどこですか？
Hello, excuse me, where is the station?
A hesitation noise used to get someone's attention or to start a conversation, similar to 'uhm, hello?' or 'excuse me'. Often combined with すみません.
あのう、ちょっといいですか？
Uhm, hello? Can I talk to you for a second?