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.
先生、おはようございます。
Good morning, teacher.
Hello / Good afternoon. Used from late morning until evening. Not typically used with close friends or family.
こんにちは、いい天気ですね。
Hello, nice weather, isn't it?
Good evening. Used after dark.
こんばんは、お元気ですか。
Good evening, how are you?
To greet friends, family, or people of similar status in informal situations.
Casual 'good morning'. Used with close acquaintances.
おはよう、よく寝た？
Morning, did you sleep well?
Casual 'hi' or 'hey', similar to English. More common among male speakers.
やあ、久しぶり。
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.
To refer to the concept of a greeting or the words used to greet someone.
The most common word for 'greeting'. Can refer to both the act and the words. Used in formal and informal contexts.
朝の挨拶を忘れないでください。
Please don't forget to say good morning.
挨拶は大切です。
Greetings are important.
Polite form of 挨拶. Often used in formal speeches or business settings.
The act of going around to greet people, such as when starting a new job or after a wedding.
新入社員は挨拶回りをした。
The new employee made the rounds greeting everyone.
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.
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/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.
To refer to a physical or digital card with a greeting.
Loanword from English, commonly used for greeting cards.
誕生日にグリーティングカードを送った。
I sent a greeting card for their birthday.
A formal greeting card or letter, often used for seasonal greetings or business announcements.
新年の挨拶状を出す。
Send out New Year's greeting cards.
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.
Hey, we meet again.
一言ご挨拶を申し上げます。
I would like to say a few words of greeting.
前略先日はありがとうございました。
Dear [Name], thank you for the other day. (informal letter)