Imagine you’ve just stepped off the train in Tokyo, the city lights glowing all around, and you want to greet someone in Japanese. If you’re here to learn japanese greeting phrases that locals appreciate, you’ve come to the right place. In this ultimate guide, you’ll find essential salutations—from formal hellos to casual goodbyes—plus tips on body language, pronunciation, and handy resources. By the time you finish, you’ll feel confident greeting shopkeepers, coworkers, and new friends alike. Let’s get started.
Understand basic greetings
Mastering everyday salutations makes a great first impression. Below is a quick reference table for common Japanese greetings.
| Japanese script | Romanization | English translation | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| おはようございます | Ohayou gozaimasu | Good morning | Formal, morning hours |
| おはよう | Ohayou | Morning | Informal, with friends |
| こんにちは | Konnichiwa | Hello / Good afternoon | Daytime greeting |
| こんばんは | Konbanwa | Good evening | Evening greeting |
| さようなら | Sayounara | Goodbye | Formal parting |
| じゃあね | Jaa ne | See you / Bye | Informal farewell |
Formal and informal forms
Here’s the thing, Japanese distinguishes polite and casual speech. Use the formal versions with people you don’t know well, superiors, or older adults. Switch to casual forms among friends or peers.
- Formal: Ohayou gozaimasu, Konnichiwa, Konbanwa
- Informal: Ohayou, Jaa ne, Mata ne (see you again)
If you’re unsure, default to the formal side. It’s always better to sound polite than too familiar.
Time-specific greetings
Timing matters in Japanese. You’ll only say Ohayou gozaimasu until about 10 or 11 am. After that, switch to Konnichiwa. Once the sun sets, Konbanwa is your go-to. Want more on telling time and greeting by hour Check out our japanese time expressions guide for details on clock phrases.
Relying on the right greeting shows cultural awareness and respect. It’s a small detail that goes a long way.
Use common polite phrases
A true local always peppers greetings with extra politeness. These expressions will help you sound even more courteous.
Expressing thanks
Gratitude is huge in Japan. You’ll hear Arigatou gozaimasu everywhere. It’s the formal way to say thank you very much. Among friends, you can drop the gozaimasu and just say Arigatou.
- Arigatou gozaimasu – thank you very much (formal)
- Arigatou – thanks (informal)
Want a deeper dive on thank-you expressions Check out our japanese thank you expressions page.
Apologies and excuses
Sumimasen is a multitasker. Use it to say excuse me, I’m sorry, or to get someone’s attention. It’s handy on crowded trains or in busy restaurants.
- Sumimasen – excuse me / sorry / thank you for inconvenience
- Gomen nasai – I apologize (softer, informal)
If you need a quick apology, sumimasen will cover most bases. For a heartfelt sorry, gomen nasai with a slight bow shows sincerity.
Learn daily farewell phrases
Parting words vary by context. From leaving home to saying goodbye after dinner, here are the essentials.
Leaving and returning
In Japanese homes or small offices, you’ll often hear Ittekimasu when someone heads out. It means I’m off and I’ll come back. The response is Itterasshai, please go and come back safely.
- Ittekimasu – I’m leaving (home or office)
- Itterasshai – see you later, please go safely
This greeting pair reflects the tight knit of daily life. Don’t be surprised if coworkers call out otsukaresama desu as you walk out, to acknowledge your hard work.
Saying goodbye
For more general goodbyes, pick from these:
- Sayounara – goodbye (formal, longer absence)
- Jaa ne / Mata ne – see you / see you again (informal)
Use sayounara if you don’t expect to see someone for a while. Jaa ne or mata ne works between friends or coworkers you’ll chat with soon.
Master situational greetings
Certain settings call for specialized salutations. Learn these phrases to navigate work and meals with ease.
Workplace hellos
Japanese work culture relies on daily greetings. In the morning, employees say Ohayou gozaimasu at arrival and to supervisors. Use Otsukaresama desu in the afternoon or at day’s end to recognize effort, it means you’ve worked hard.
- Morning: Ohayou gozaimasu (good morning)
- After work: Otsukaresama desu (thanks for your hard work)
If you want to learn more about formal levels in business chat with our japanese business phrases overview.
Meal time salutations
Before you tuck in, say Itadakimasu to express gratitude for the meal. After you finish, use Gochisousama deshita to thank the cook. Many Japanese consider this a must at home or in a restaurant.
- Itadakimasu – I humbly receive (before eating)
- Gochisousama deshita – thank you for the meal (after eating)
Pair these phrases with a slight nod. It’s both polite and shows you understand local dining etiquette. For more food and ordering terms, see our japanese restaurant phrases ordering guide.
Incorporate body language
Verbal greetings often go hand in hand with nonverbal cues. Body language matters as much as the words.
Bowing etiquette
Bowing, or ojigi, signals respect and hierarchy. Different angles carry different meanings:
- 15 degrees (eshaku) – casual nod, for friends or coworkers
- 30 degrees (keirei) – standard bow for first meetings
- 45+ degrees (saikeirei) – deep bow for apologies or thanks
Foreigners often mix handshakes and bows. If someone offers a handshake, mirror it, then add a slight nod. For more on gestures see Cultural Atlas’s guide to Japanese greetings and bowing.
Hand gestures
Japanese hand signals differ from Western ones. A “no no” wave means denial, pointing to your nose means me, and crossing arms in an X means no or check please. Putting hands together in front signifies thanks or asking forgiveness.
- “No no” wave – means no or that something’s wrong
- Nose point – refers to oneself
- Hands together – thankfulness or apology
If you ever feel stuck, a polite sumimasen with an open hand gesture goes a long way. For more cues, explore our japanese body language article.
Practice pronunciation tips
Even if your tone is perfect, pronunciation can trip you up. A few pointers will have you sounding more fluent.
Sound basics
Japanese has five vowel sounds: a, i, u, e, o. Consonants are generally similar to English, but there’s no L or R distinction. Practice these with our japanese pronunciation guide.
- A – like “ah” in father
- I – like “ee” in see
- U – like “oo” in boot
- E – like “eh” in bet
- O – like “oh” in go
Slow down your speech, enunciate each syllable, and you’ll be understood more easily.
Politeness levels
Japanese uses honorifics to mark respect. The -san suffix after a name is standard polite address. For deeper formality, people use -sama. If you want casual, drop all suffixes among close friends.
- [Name]-san – general polite
- [Name]-sama – very respectful
- No suffix – casual, between close friends
To avoid mistakes, check out our japanese politeness levels guide.
Explore learning resources
Beyond phrases, tools and practice partners boost your confidence.
Mobile apps
Language apps like Tandem connect you with native speakers for real conversations. According to Wakoku, using these tools helps you nail nuances and build muscle memory.
Phrasebooks and exchange
Carry a pocket phrasebook or use digital flashcards. Label everyday objects in your hotel room with sticky notes, or join a language exchange meetup. If you want more everyday chat, our basic japanese phrases tokyo travel page is a great next step.
Key takeaways
- Learn formal and informal salutations, and match them to the situation.
- Combine words with bowing angles and gentle hand gestures.
- Practice vowel sounds and honorific levels for clearer speech.
- Use apps and phrasebooks to reinforce what you’ve learned.
- Start using these phrases right away to build your confidence.
Ready to greet Tokyo like a local Try saying Ohayou gozaimasu to a shopkeeper tomorrow morning, then thank them with Arigatou gozaimasu. You’ll notice their smile—and maybe a friendly bow in return.
Frequently asked questions
1. How do I choose between ohayou and ohayou gozaimasu?
Use ohayou gozaimasu in formal settings or with strangers before about 10 am. With friends or family, ohayou is fine.
2. What’s the difference between sayonara and jaa ne?
Sayonara is a formal goodbye, often when you won’t meet someone soon. Jaa ne is casual, like see you later.
3. When should I bow versus shake hands?
In most situations, a bow is expected. If a Japanese person offers a handshake, go ahead, then add a slight nod.
4. Is sumimasen only for apologies?
Not at all. Sumimasen covers excuse me, I’m sorry, and even thank you for the trouble. It’s your go-to polite phrase.
5. How can I remember all these phrases?
Practice daily, label items around you, or set reminders on your phone. Flashcards and real conversations via apps like Tandem help reinforce memory.
