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Greetings & Introductions in Japanese
Japanese greetings are central to the culture. These 25 essential phrases include Japanese script, romaji, and native audio to get you started.
Practice in the LingoSwipe App →Each phrase includes native audio, an English translation, romanization, and cultural notes where relevant. Tap any play button to listen.
👋 基本的な挨拶 — Basic Greetings
1.
こんにちは！
Konnichiwa!
Hello! / Good day!
Used from around 10 AM to 5 PM. A slight bow accompanies this greeting.
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2.
おはようございます！
Ohayou gozaimasu!
Good morning! (formal)
Formal. Casual: 'おはよう！' (Ohayou!) used with close friends and family.
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3.
こんばんは！
Konbanwa!
Good evening!
Used from around 5–6 PM. Note: 'wa' at the end is written は (ha) — a historical quirk.
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4.
おやすみなさい。
Oyasuminasai.
Good night.
Casual: 'おやすみ' with family and close friends.
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5.
お元気ですか？
Ogenki desu ka?
How are you?
In Japan, this is a genuine question — Japanese people may give a real answer.
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🙋 自己紹介 — Introductions
6.
私の名前は田中です。
Watashi no namae wa Tanaka desu.
My name is Tanaka.
In Japan, family name comes first. Business cards are given and received with both hands and a bow.
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7.
お名前は何ですか？
Onamae wa nan desu ka?
What is your name?
The 'お' prefix adds politeness — a key feature of Japanese keigo (polite speech).
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8.
はじめまして。
Hajimemashite.
Nice to meet you. (first meeting)
ONLY for first meetings. Using it again would suggest you forgot the person!
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9.
イギリスから来ました。
Igirisu kara kimashita.
I came from the UK.
Country names in Japanese: アメリカ (America), オーストラリア (Australia), カナダ (Canada).
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10.
少し日本語が話せます。
Sukoshi nihongo ga hanasemasu.
I can speak a little Japanese.
Japanese people are very encouraging when foreigners speak even a little Japanese.
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👋 お別れ — Farewells
11.
さようなら。
Sayounara.
Goodbye. (final farewell)
Implies finality — not for everyday goodbyes. Avoid with coworkers you'll see tomorrow.
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12.
じゃあね！
Jaa ne!
See ya! (casual)
The most common casual goodbye among friends — far more natural than さようなら.
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13.
また明日！
Mata ashita!
See you tomorrow!
'また' is versatile: 'またね' (see you), 'また後で' (later), 'またいつか' (someday).
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14.
良い一日を！
Yoi ichinichi wo!
Have a great day!
Casual and encouraging. Often heard from shop staff as you leave.
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15.
お気をつけて！
Oki wo tsukete!
Take care! / Be careful!
Shows genuine care — very commonly said to guests leaving your home or office.
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🤝 礼儀の言葉 — Courtesy Phrases
16.
お願いします。
Onegaishimasu.
Please. (formal request)
A slight bow accompanies this phrase. Casual alternative: 'ください' (kudasai).
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17.
ありがとうございます！
Arigatou gozaimasu!
Thank you very much!
Past: 'ありがとうございました' — used after receiving a service or at the end of a meal.
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18.
どういたしまして。
Dou itashimashite.
You're welcome.
Casual alternatives: 'いえいえ' (not at all) or simply 'どうも' (thanks/you're welcome).
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19.
すみません。
Sumimasen.
Excuse me. / I'm sorry. / Thank you.
One of the most useful Japanese words: 'excuse me', 'sorry', AND 'thank you for the trouble'.
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20.
申し訳ありません。
Moushiwake arimasen.
I'm very sorry. (deep apology)
Very formal apology — used in business or for serious mistakes. Accompanied by a deep bow.
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💬 言語のサポート — Language Help
21.
はい。
Hai.
Yes.
Also means 'I'm listening' in conversation — not always agreement. Casual: 'うん' (un).
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22.
いいえ。
Iie.
No.
Direct 'no' can be considered blunt. 'ちょっと...' (a little...) is a common polite refusal.
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23.
わかりません。
Wakarimasen.
I don't understand.
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24.
もう少しゆっくり話してください。
Mou sukoshi yukkuri hanashite kudasai.
Please speak a little more slowly.
Japanese people are very patient with learners — this phrase is always warmly received.
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25.
英語を話せますか？
Eigo wo hanasemasu ka?
Do you speak English?
English is common in Tokyo and tourist areas. Outside cities, it can be harder to find.
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