Learning how to greet someone is one of the first steps when diving into a new language. In Japanese, greetings are more than just words they reflect respect, time of day, social status, and personal relationships. Whether you're a beginner or planning to travel to Japan, knowing multiple ways to say hello can help you connect better with Japanese people. In this guide, we’ll explore 20 ways to say hello in Japanese, explain their nuances, pronunciation, formal and informal usage, and even how girls say "hi" in Japanese.
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Greeting someone in Japanese is not just about saying “hello” it’s about showing respect, friendliness, and understanding cultural norms. Here are 20 different ways to say hello in Japanese, from formal to casual, and even playful greetings.
The classic Japanese greeting! “Konnichiwa” is used from late morning until early evening and works in most situations.
Pronunciation: kon-nee-chee-wah
Usage: Formal or informal, perfect for both strangers and acquaintances.
Used to greet people in the morning, usually until around 10 AM.
Pronunciation: oh-ha-yo
Formal Version: Ohayō gozaimasu (おはようございます) – polite, suitable for workplaces or elders.
This is the standard way to answer the phone in Japan.
Pronunciation: mo-shee mo-shee
Tip: Only used for phone conversations, never in person.
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A cheerful and informal greeting, perfect for friends.
Pronunciation: ya
Usage: Very casual, like saying “Hey!” in English.
A friendly, casual way to ask how someone is doing.
Pronunciation: gen-kee
Example: “Yā, genki?” – Hi, how are you?
Usage: Only with friends or people you know well.
Used when meeting someone for the first time.
Pronunciation: ha-ji-me-ma-shee-te
Usage: Formal introduction, often followed by your name.
A greeting used by shopkeepers or staff to welcome customers.
Pronunciation: i-rassh-ai-ma-se
Tip: Not used casually; mainly in commercial or service settings.
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A polite and respectful way to ask someone’s well-being.
Pronunciation: o-gen-kee des-ka
Usage: Appropriate in formal or semi-formal conversations.
Fun, playful, and informal—great for young people or close friends.
Pronunciation: ya-ho
Usage: Like saying “Hey there!” or “Yo!”
Used to greet people in the evening.
Pronunciation: kon-ban-wa
Usage: Polite and standard for evening greetings.
A friendly greeting used for groups, such as in schools or workplaces.
Pronunciation: oh-ha-yo, mee-na-san
Ultra-casual, often used with best friends.
Pronunciation: yo
Usage: Informal and playful.
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Used when reconnecting with someone you haven’t seen in a while.
Pronunciation: hee-sa-she-bu-ree
Usage: Casual or semi-formal depending on context.
Common in letters, emails, or formal introductions.
Usage: Polite way to start a correspondence.
Used when leaving someone, meaning “see you later.”
Pronunciation: ma-ta ne
Usage: Casual and friendly.
Greet colleagues after a day of work or when someone finishes a task.
Pronunciation: o-tsu-ka-re-sa-ma
Usage: Respectful and commonly used in workplaces.
A versatile greeting, simple and friendly.
Pronunciation: do-mo
Usage: Informal; can also mean “thanks” depending on context.
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Combine a polite greeting with a well-being check.
Pronunciation: kon-nee-chee-wah, o-gen-kee des-ka
Usage: Polite and friendly, suitable for acquaintances.
Used playfully while lifting, stretching, or starting an activity.
Pronunciation: yo-i-sho
Usage: Informal, sometimes even humorous, not typically used as a standard greeting.
Can be used to acknowledge someone’s attention or answer a call.
Pronunciation: ha-i
Usage: Casual, often in classrooms or group settings.
Greeting someone in Japanese isn’t just about saying “hello” it reflects the time of day, your relationship with the person, and the level of formality. In the morning, say “Ohayō gozaimasu” (おはようございます) to be polite, while “Konnichiwa” (こんにちは) is perfect for afternoon greetings, and “Konbanwa” (こんばんは) works in the evening. With friends or peers, casual greetings like “Yā!” (やあ) or “Yo!” (よ！) add a friendly touch, whereas formal expressions such as “Ogenki desu ka?” (お元気ですか？) show respect and politeness, making your greeting culturally appropriate and well-received.
In Japanese, girls often prefer softer, more playful greetings that sound friendly and approachable. For casual face-to-face interactions, they might say “Yā!” (やあ) a cheerful and informal “hi.” On the phone, “Moshi moshi” (もしもし) is the standard way to answer, keeping it polite yet light. When checking in with friends, girls often use “Genki?” (元気？), which means “How are you?” a simple, friendly, and warm way to start a conversation.
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When greeting a girl in Japanese, your choice of words can convey friendliness, politeness, and warmth. For a neutral and safe greeting, simply say “Konnichiwa!” (こんにちは), suitable for most situations. In the morning, a polite “Ohayō gozaimasu!” (おはようございます) shows respect while still being friendly. For casual interactions with friends or peers, you can use “Yā!” (やあ) or the playful “Genki?” (元気？) meaning “How are you?” to create a cheerful and approachable vibe.
Pronunciation is key in Japanese, as even small changes in intonation can alter the meaning. For beginners, here’s a quick guide to some common greetings:
To sound more natural, try listening to native speakers through videos, apps, or language lessons. Practicing out loud and mimicking the rhythm and tone will help you greet confidently and correctly every time.
Formal greetings in Japanese are essential for showing respect, especially in workplaces, with elders, or during first-time meetings. Some key formal greetings include:
Using these formal greetings correctly helps you make a great first impression and shows that you understand Japanese etiquette.
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Informal greetings in Japanese are casual, friendly, and perfect for friends, classmates, or peers. They help you sound approachable and relaxed. Some popular informal greetings include:
Using these greetings shows warmth and familiarity, making your interactions feel natural and fun.
When learning Japanese, expressing gratitude is just as important as greetings. Here are some common ways to say “thank you”:
Mastering these phrases ensures that your interactions in Japanese are polite, warm, and culturally appropriate.
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Greeting someone in the morning sets a friendly and positive tone for the day. In Japanese, there are both casual and formal ways to say “Good morning”:
Starting your day with the right greeting helps you connect better culturally and leaves a positive impression on those around you.
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1. What is the most common way to say hello in Japanese?
Konnichiwa (こんにちは) is the most widely used greeting.
2. Is “konnichiwa” used in the morning?
No, use “ohayō gozaimasu” in the morning.
3. How do you say hi to a girl in Japanese?
Use “konnichiwa” formally or “yā” informally.
4. How do you pronounce “konnichiwa”?
Kon-nee-chee-wah.
5. How do you greet someone formally?
Use “ohayō gozaimasu” in the morning or “o-genki desu ka?” to ask politely how they are.
6. What is “moshi moshi” used for?
It’s a greeting used when answering the phone.
7. How do you ask “How are you?” casually?
Say “Genki?” among friends.
8. How do you greet in the evening?
Use “Konbanwa” to say good evening.
9. Can “yā” be used with strangers?
No, it’s informal and suitable only with friends.
10. How do Japanese girls greet casually?
They often use “Yā!”, “Genki?”, or soft versions of greetings.
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