Translation guide
In Japanese, greeting someone depends heavily on the time of day, the relationship, and the situation. Unlike English, there is no single all-purpose verb like 'greet'. Instead, you use specific phrases or describe the action.
こんにちは
How do you say 'hello' in Japanese?
Use during the day. For morning, use おはようございます; for evening, こんばんは.
To greet someone face-to-face in a casual or neutral setting.
The standard 'hello' used during the day. Not used with close friends or family in casual settings.
先生に会ったら、こんにちはと言いましょう。
When you see the teacher, say hello.
Good morning (polite). Use in the morning, especially in formal or polite contexts.
毎朝、同僚におはようございますと挨拶します。
Every morning, I greet my colleagues with 'good morning'.
Casual 'good morning' used with friends, family, or close colleagues.
おはよう、今日もいい天気だね。
Morning! Nice weather again today.
Good evening. Used after dark in both casual and polite situations.
近所の人にこんばんはと声をかけた。
I greeted my neighbor with 'good evening'.
To greet with a bow or nod, often without words. Describes the physical action rather than a spoken greeting.
彼は軽く会釈して部屋を出た。
He gave a slight bow and left the room.
To greet someone after a long absence.
Long time no see. Casual and very common.
久しぶり！元気だった？
Long time no see! How have you been?
Polite version of 'long time no see'.
お久しぶりです。お変わりありませんか。
It's been a long time. Have you been well?
A formal expression used when you haven't been in touch for a long time. Often used in letters or emails.
ご無沙汰していますが、お元気ですか。
I'm sorry I haven't been in touch. How are you?
To greet someone arriving at your home, office, or event.
Welcome. Used when someone enters your home or a casual setting.
友達が来たので、いらっしゃいと言った。
When my friend arrived, I said 'welcome'.
Welcome. Often used for guests, visitors, or in formal invitations.
To say that someone greeted someone else, using a verb.
The most common verb for 'greet'. It covers saying hello, goodbye, or exchanging pleasantries.
彼は私に挨拶しなかった。
He didn't greet me.
近所の人に挨拶するのは大切だ。
It's important to greet your neighbors.
To greet or meet someone upon arrival, like at the airport or station.
To welcome or receive someone, often used for guests or in a broader sense.
To greet someone at the beginning of a letter or email.
Standard opening greeting in formal letters, equivalent to 'Dear Sir/Madam'.
拝啓、春暖の候、ますますご清栄のこととお喜び申し上げます。
Dear Sir, I hope this letter finds you well in this spring weather.
A less formal opening for letters, used when skipping seasonal greetings.
English speakers often want a direct verb for 'greet', but in Japanese, you usually use the specific greeting phrase itself (like こんにちは) or the verb 挨拶する. Saying 'greet' as a verb without context can sound unnatural.
In Japan, a bow often accompanies a verbal greeting. The depth and duration depend on the formality. A slight nod (会釈) is common in casual situations.
彼は笑顔で私に挨拶した。
He greeted me with a smile.
二人は温かく挨拶を交わした。
They greeted each other warmly.
Welcome (polite). Used by staff in shops and restaurants.
店に入ると、店員がいらっしゃいませと言った。
When I entered the store, the clerk said 'welcome'.
Welcome to Japan!
空港で客を出迎えた。
I greeted the guests at the airport.
笑顔で客を迎えた。
She greeted the guests with a smile.
前略、先日はありがとうございました。
Dear Friend, thank you for the other day.