Learning a new language starts with the basics, and in Japanese, greetings are the first step toward understanding the culture, building relationships, and speaking confidently. Japanese greetings may seem simple at first, but they carry rich cultural meaning and vary based on formality, time of day, and who you are speaking to. At Japanese Language Coaching, we believe that mastering greetings is the perfect starting point for beginners. This guide will walk you through essential Japanese greetings, when to use them, and how to sound natural and respectful.

Why Japanese Greetings Matter

In Japanese culture, greetings aren't just polite expressions—they're a sign of respect, social awareness, and harmony. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time, walking into a shop, or ending a conversation, the right greeting shows you understand the importance of etiquette.

Japanese is a highly context-sensitive language, and greetings often differ depending on the setting: formal, casual, or professional. By learning how to greet properly, you’re not just speaking the language—you’re embracing the culture.

Core Japanese Greetings You Should Know

Let’s start with the most common and essential greetings for beginners:

1. おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good Morning

• Use: Until about 10 AM

• Casual: おはよう (Ohayou)

• Formal: おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu)

Use the formal version in workplaces, schools, or with people you don't know well. The casual version is perfect for friends and family.

2. こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello / Good Afternoon

• Use: Late morning through early evening

This is a polite, all-purpose greeting that works in nearly all social situations. You can say Konnichiwa when you see someone during the day, whether in a meeting, on the street, or in a store.

3. こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good Evening

• Use: After sunset

Use Konbanwa when greeting someone in the evening. It’s formal enough for meetings or social gatherings and respectful when entering someone’s home or joining an event at night.

4. さようなら (Sayounara) – Goodbye

• Use: When parting for an extended period

Although Sayounara is widely known, it's not used as often as you might think. It implies a longer separation. In daily conversation, other casual expressions are more common:

• じゃね (Ja ne) – See you

• またね (Mata ne) – See you later

• バイバイ (Baibai) – Bye-bye (very casual)

5. はじめまして (Hajimemashite) – Nice to Meet You

This is the standard phrase when meeting someone for the first time. It is almost always followed by:

• どうぞよろしくお願いします (Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu) – A polite phrase that expresses a wish for a good relationship

Together, these two phrases are essential for introductions.

6. おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai) – Good Night

• Use: Before going to bed

• Casual: おやすみ (Oyasumi)

Use the formal version when speaking to elders, teachers, or people you want to show respect to. The casual version is fine with friends or family.

7. ありがとう (Arigatou) – Thank You

• Casual: ありがとう (Arigatou)

• Polite: ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)

Even though it's not strictly a greeting, it's commonly used after receiving help or kindness. Always default to the polite form in unfamiliar or formal situations.

8. すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse Me / I’m Sorry / Thank You

This is one of the most versatile expressions in Japanese.

• Use it to get someone’s attention (like in a restaurant)

• To apologize lightly

• To show appreciation when someone goes out of their way

It's respectful and widely accepted in many contexts.

9. お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu) – Thank You for Your Hard Work

Used commonly in workplaces, this phrase acknowledges effort and teamwork. It can be said when greeting someone during the day, after a task is done, or when someone is leaving for the day.

It shows appreciation and is a key part of professional Japanese communication.

How to Practice Japanese Greetings

Now that you’ve learned these greetings, the next step is to practice them regularly. Here are some simple ways:

• Daily Repetition: Start and end your day by saying “Ohayou gozaimasu” and “Oyasuminasai” out loud.

• Mirror Practice: Use a mirror to practice facial expressions, tone, and bowing with each greeting.

• Role Play: Practice greetings with a language partner or during your coaching sessions.

• Watch Japanese Media: Listen for greetings in anime, dramas, and variety shows to hear how they’re used naturally.

At Japanese Language Coaching, we offer personalized lessons that help you apply these greetings in real-life situations. You’ll learn not only how to say the words but also when, why, and with what level of formality.

Mastering greetings is the first big step toward becoming a confident Japanese speaker. With just a few essential phrases, you can start conversations, show respect, and navigate daily situations more comfortably.

This guide from Japanese Language Coaching is designed to make learning Japanese greetings easy and approachable. Use them often, practice consistently, and you’ll find yourself growing more fluent—and more culturally connected—every day.

Ready to take your Japanese to the next level? Start with a free trial session and practice these greetings with a coach who supports your goals. Let your first “Konnichiwa” be the beginning of your Japanese journey!