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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.
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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