Hello In Japanese: 5+ Must-Know Phrases For Every Situation

Hi there! Today we are going to learn how to say hello in Japanese properly. There are so many ways to greet someone in Japanese that it might get a bit confusing, but don’t worry—we will guide you through step by step!

In this article, we will focus on saying hello in Japanese and the meaning of moshi moshi (もしもし). If you want to speak like a native Japanese person, we are here for you. Are you ready? Let’s go!

How To Say Hello In Japanese

The most common way of saying hello in Japanese is Konnichiwa (こんにちは). You can use konnichiwa throughout the day, but the safest time frame would be between 10 AM and 5 PM. However, some people might say it all day long. So, don’t be surprised if you hear a konnichiwa at 7 PM.

While konnichiwa is the most common way to say hello in Japanese, there are many other greetings as well. Next, we’ll look at some of the most basic ones.

Basic Japanese Greetings

In English, we can say ‘hello’ in many situations. For example, it’s acceptable to use it when meeting someone for the first time. However, while ‘hello’ can be translated into Japanese in different ways, each version has its own nuance and meaning. Therefore, the way you greet might differ depending on the situation.

In Japan, when you meet someone for the first time, it’s customary to use a formal greeting, such as ‘nice to meet you’ – hajimemashite (初めまして.) This greeting is often accompanied by a bow, which is a traditional Japanese gesture of respect. The bow’s depth and duration can vary depending on the formality level and the individuals’ relationship.

Furthermore, in formal situations, it’s also common to exchange business cards, known as meishi, which contain the person’s name, job title, and contact information. When receiving a business card, it’s customary to bow slightly and say ‘thank you’ – arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) to show appreciation.

Formal And Informal Japanese Greetings

In Japanese culture, the distinction between formal and informal greetings reflects the society’s deep-rooted emphasis on politeness and respect. Formal greetings are used when speaking to someone older, in a position of authority, or in professional settings. These greetings often involve more complex language and honorifics.

On the other hand, informal greetings are reserved for friends, family members, and people of the same age or social standing. These greetings are more straightforward and casual. For instance, you might greet a close friend with a simple ‘Hello’ – konnichiwa (こんにちは.)

If you want to greet someone during the morning casually, you can say: good morning – ohayou (おはよう).

However, if you want to say it formally, you add gozaimasu (ございます), making it ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます). Remember, this phrase is used only in the morning.

So, what do you say after 5 p.m.? In that case, you would say “Good evening,” which in Japanese is konbanwa (こんばんは).

Understanding when to use formal versus informal greetings is essential for navigating social interactions in Japan. It shows respect for the other person and helps build positive relationships.

Saying Hello On The Phone In Japanese

Moshi moshi (もしもし) is a distinctive way of saying hello in Japanese, but it’s only used when talking on the phone. While it means ‘hello,’ it’s not used in face-to-face conversations. Many people learn moshi moshi as one of their first Japanese phrases. Just remember, it’s only for phone conversations.

You can guess there will be a limited context where you can use moshi moshi (もしもし) since this expression is only limited to the phone. Imagine yourself living in Japan, how many times will you pick up your phone and say ‘Hello’? Yep! That’s how many times you will say moshi moshi(もしもし).

Another way to use moshi moshi (もしもし) is when you can’t hear well, or the sound is breaking up. By saying it, you’re checking to make sure the other person is still on the line and can hear you.

Where Does The Phrase ‘Moshi Moshi’ Come From?

The phrase moshi moshi is derived from the Japanese word mōsu, which means “to speak” or “to say.” It is often repeated twice when used as a greeting over the phone. The second iteration is slightly softer than the first. As you learn more Japanese phrases, you will notice the same rule often happens if the same sounds are repeated twice. They repeat it as a way of showing politeness and respect to the caller.

Thanks to its frequent use in Japanese media and anime, moshi moshi has become widely recognized. Even some non-Japanese speakers will know the expression. However, it’s very important to note that moshi moshi is primarily used in casual or informal settings. In professional contexts or more formal situations, other greetings will be more suitable.

Dos And Dont’s Of Moshi Moshi (もしもし)

Moshi moshi is considered a casual greeting and is suitable for casual settings, so if you’re answering the phone and saying “hello?” in a casual setting, then yes! You can just say moshi moshi.

However, it’s not recommended for use in business settings. When calling someone for business, you should state your company’s name followed by your own name. You may think it’s okay for formal settings since moshi moshi originated from a polite word, but nowadays, using it is considered a casual expression. So, it will be wise not to use it in the workspace.

If you’re calling someone for business purposes in Japan, you will often hear ‘Thank you for your continued support’ – Osewa ni natteorimasu (お世話になっております)” as their first (formal) response. After that, they’ll state the name of their company or their name. Even in phone conversations, being polite always comes first in Japanese culture.

Understanding Japanese Greetings

Japanese greetings are very important to communicate effectively in Japan and they change based on the time of day, formality, and your relationship with the person. Learning these greetings is a good starting point if you’re planning to visit Japan or study the language.

While using translation apps is an option, speaking some Japanese makes a big difference and shows respect for the culture. Even if you’re not perfect, people will appreciate your effort, and it will help you feel more confident in everyday situations.

A Quick Note On Japanese Pronunciation

Japanese pronunciation is known for its predictability and simplicity, making it a welcoming aspect for learners. Each vowel in Japanese is always pronounced the same way, which is a relief compared to the many vowel sounds in English. For instance, the vowel “a” is always pronounced as “ah,” “i” as “ee,” “u” as “oo,” “e” as “eh,” and “o” as “oh.”

The consonant sounds in Japanese also follow a distinct pattern. Some sounds are similar to those in English, while others are pretty distinctive. For example, the Japanese “r” sound is often pronounced more like a soft “l,” which can be a bit tricky at first. Additionally, the “u” sound is often pronounced more like a soft “oo,” especially at the end of words. Understanding these basic pronunciation rules is important for clear communication and will help you learn Japanese more easily. If you want to take your Japanese pronunciation to the next level, check out our Ling app— you will know what I’m talking about!

Japanese Greetings Vocabulary

Here is a vocabulary table with all the Japanese greetings we have covered today so you can keep it handy for review.

Tips For Learning Japanese Greetings

Mastering Japanese greetings can seem daunting, but with practice and patience, it can become second nature. Here are some tips to help you learn and use Japanese greetings effectively:

1. Start with the basics: Begin with common greetings like ‘hello’ – konnichiwa (こんにちは), ‘good morning’ – ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます),” and “good evening – konbanwa (こんばんは).
   
   
2. Practice, practice, practice: Repeat the greetings out loud to get a feel for the pronunciation and rhythm.
   
   
3. Learn the formal and informal versions: Understand the difference between formal and informal greetings and use them accordingly. Knowing this difference will help you dramatically in Japanese.
   
   
4. Pay attention to body language: Bowing and other non-verbal cues are essential in Japanese culture, so make sure to incorporate them into your greetings.
   
   
5. Immerse yourself in the language: Watch Japanese TV shows, movies, and anime to see how greetings are used in different contexts. If you don’t know where to start, I have something special for you.

Shoplifters – Manbiki Kazoku (万引き家族) is a Cannes-winning film from 2018, directed by Kore-eda Hirokazu (是枝裕和). It explores the nature of being human and the meaning of family in Japan—and it’s sure to steal your heart. If you’d like to know more about this film, check out The New York Times review of Shoplifters.

Kore-eda Hirokazu is a highly acclaimed director with fans worldwide, thanks to his unique style. His most recent film, Monster (2023), won the Best Screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival. His remarkable works also include Our Little Sister (2015), Like Father, Like Son (2013), Still Walking (2009), and Nobody Knows (2005).

I chose Shoplifters as a recommendation because it reminds me of another Japanese film, Kochira Amiko (こちらあみ子), directed by Yusuke Morii (森井勇佑). Like Shoplifters, Kochira Amiko is a story about a Japanese child and family. One of the songs from this film, Hello – Moshi Moshi (もしもし)’ by Ichiko Aoba, features the same Japanese expression we learned today! It’s a beautiful song—if you have four minutes to spare, don’t miss it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Saying Hello In Japanese

1. What Does Moshi Moshi Literally Mean?

It means literally “I say, I say,” or “I speak, I speak.” Moshi moshi is a casual Japanese greeting used over the phone. The correct time to use it is when you first pick up the phone, as it is both a casual greeting and a way to make sure that the other person can hear you.

2. How Do You Respond To Moshi Moshi?

If you call someone, and that person greets you by saying moshi moshi, as an answer, you can just say exactly the same thing – moshi moshi. In this way, both sides will know that there’s no problem with talking over the phone.

3. Is It Konnichiwa Or Moshi Moshi?

This can be confusing since both phrases mean ‘hello’ in English. Moshi moshi is only used for phone conversations! In a face-to-face setting, you should avoid using moshi moshi altogether. Konnichiwa is a much better choice when greeting someone in person.

Wrapping Up

Japanese culture places great emphasis on politeness and respect, and greetings are no exception. Different situations call for different greetings, and that’s why today we have shown you the different ways you can say hello in Japanese according to the context. Keep in mind that using the right one can make a significant difference in showing respect and building long-lasting relationships.

Expand Your Japanese Vocabulary

Are you ready to learn Japanese? Check out our Ling app! Its user-friendly platform and interactive lessons make learning fun and easy. With just 15 minutes a day, you’ll see a big difference. And if you want to learn even more, explore our Japanese blog for essential tips on greetings, travel phrases, culture, and so much more!

If you have come this far, you are amazing. Thanks for your time!

Dewa matane! (ではまたね) – See you next time!