Translation guide
The English greeting "hello" can be expressed in Japanese through several common phrases, each suited to different times of day, levels of formality, and social contexts. The most universal and safe choice is こんにちは, but learners should be aware of alternatives for phone calls, casual encounters, and entering spaces.
A standard, polite greeting used during the day, equivalent to "hello" or "good afternoon."
The most common and neutral greeting used from late morning until early evening. It is safe in almost any situation, from casual to formal.
Hello, how are you?
Hello, nice weather today, isn't it?
A greeting used specifically in the morning, similar to "good morning."
The polite morning greeting, used until around 10 or 11 AM. It is appropriate in most settings, including with strangers, superiors, and in business.
Good morning, did you sleep well?
The casual, shortened version of おはようございます. Used among friends, family, and close colleagues.
A greeting used in the evening, equivalent to "good evening."
The standard evening greeting, used from around sunset onward. It is neutral and can be used in both casual and formal situations.
Good evening, I'm late today.
The standard way to answer the phone, equivalent to "hello" when picking up a call.
Used exclusively when answering the phone. It is not used in face-to-face conversation. It can be repeated: もしもし、もしもし.
Hello, is this Mr. Tanaka?
Very informal ways to say "hello" or "hey" to close friends, similar to "hi" or "yo."
A casual "hi" or "hey," often used by men. It is friendly and informal.
Hey, long time no see!
A very casual, multipurpose greeting that can mean "hello," "thanks," or "sorry" depending on context. Often used alone as a quick greeting.
A very short, masculine "yo" or "hey." Used between close male friends.
Yo, how's it going?
Phrases used when entering someone's house or a room, similar to "hello, I'm home" or "excuse me for intruding."
Literally "I'm disturbing you," this is the polite phrase said when entering someone's home. It acknowledges the intrusion.
Hello, thank you for having me. Your house is lovely.
Said when returning to one's own home, meaning "I'm back." The response from those inside is おかえり (welcome back).
A phrase used when meeting someone for the first time, similar to "hello, nice to meet you."
Used only when meeting someone for the first time. It is often followed by a self-introduction and よろしくお願いします.
Hello, nice to meet you. My name is Yamada.
Ways to say "hello" or "excuse me" to get someone's attention, such as a shop clerk or a friend in the distance.
While primarily meaning "excuse me" or "sorry," it is commonly used to call out to a waiter, shop staff, or stranger to get their attention, functioning like "hello."
Hello, could I see the menu?
A casual way to get someone's attention, like "hey" or "excuse me." It can be seen as abrupt if used with strangers, so it's best among acquaintances.
もしもし is only for phone calls. Using it face-to-face sounds strange and may be interpreted as a joke or a mistake.
In Japan, a bow (お辞儀) is a standard part of greeting. The depth and duration of the bow depend on the formality of the situation. A slight nod may accompany casual greetings, while a deeper bow is used in formal settings.
These three greetings are time-specific. おはようございます is for morning (until ~10-11 AM), こんにちは for daytime (until sunset), and こんばんは for evening/night. There is no exact cutoff, but using the wrong one can sound slightly off. In doubt, こんにちは is the safest during daylight hours.
Hello, how are you?
Hello, this is John speaking.
Hello, nice to meet you.
おはよう、朝ごはん食べた？
Morning, did you eat breakfast?
Hey, we meet again.
ただいま！今日は早く帰れたよ。
I'm home! I got back early today.
ちょっと、聞いてる？
Hey, are you listening?