Translation guide
In Japanese, greetings are highly context-dependent, varying by time of day, formality, and relationship. Direct translations of 'greeting' as a noun are less common than specific greeting phrases.
To say hello or greet someone depending on the time of day.
Good morning (polite). Used until around 10-11 AM.
Good morning, teacher.
Hello / Good afternoon. Used from late morning until evening. Not typically used with close friends or family.
Good evening. Used after dark.
To greet friends, family, or people of similar status in informal situations.
Casual 'good morning'. Used with close acquaintances.
To refer to the concept of a greeting or the words used to greet someone.
To refer to the opening greeting in written correspondence.
Standard opening greeting in formal letters, equivalent to 'Dear Sir/Madam'. Used with 敬具 (けいぐ) at the end.
To refer to a physical or digital card with a greeting.
こんにちは can sound stiff or distant when used with close friends or family. In casual settings, a simple nod, やあ, or おはよう (even in the afternoon) is more natural.
In Japan, greetings are often accompanied by a bow. The depth and duration of the bow depend on the formality of the situation. A slight nod is common for casual greetings.
Hello, nice weather, isn't it?
Good evening, how are you?
Morning, did you sleep well?
Casual 'hi' or 'hey', similar to English. More common among male speakers.
Hey, long time no see.
A very casual, all-purpose greeting that can mean 'hi', 'thanks', or 'sorry' depending on context. Often used alone or with a nod.
Hey, we meet again.
The most common word for 'greeting'. Can refer to both the act and the words. Used in formal and informal contexts.
Please don't forget to say good morning.
Greetings are important.
Polite form of 挨拶. Often used in formal speeches or business settings.
I would like to say a few words of greeting.
The act of going around to greet people, such as when starting a new job or after a wedding.
The new employee made the rounds greeting everyone.
Dear Sir/Madam, I hope this letter finds you well in this warm spring weather.
Informal letter greeting, skipping seasonal greetings. Used with 草々 (そうそう) at the end.
Dear [Name], thank you for the other day. (informal letter)
Loanword from English, commonly used for greeting cards.
I sent a greeting card for their birthday.
A formal greeting card or letter, often used for seasonal greetings or business announcements.
Send out New Year's greeting cards.