Japanese Greetings

Hong Kongers have a deep passion for Japanese culture. Whether traveling, studying abroad, or taking a working holiday, mastering authentic Japanese greetings (aisatsu) is the first step toward integrating into the local culture. In Japan, strict distinctions in word choice and formality are made based on who you are speaking to (seniors versus peers) and the context (everyday life versus the workplace).

Whether greeting friends or teachers, basic politeness is an absolute must.

Good Morning: Use the polite "Ohayou gozaimasu" when speaking to elders or teachers, and the casual "Ohayou" for friends.

Afternoon & Evening: "Konnichiwa" is the standard greeting during the daytime, while "Konbanwa" is used after dark.

Thanks & Apologies: Use "Arigatou gozaimasu" to express gratitude to elders or strangers. "Sumimasen" works as "excuse me" or when calling over a server, while "Gomennasai" is used for a sincere apology to friends.

Whether visiting someone's home or navigating the Japanese workplace, these advanced phrases are a must-know!

Coming & Going: Say "Ittekimasu" when leaving home, and "Itterasshai" when seeing family members off. Say "Tadaima" upon returning home, and welcome someone back with "Okaerinasai".

Dining Culture: Before starting a meal, put your hands together and say "Itadakimasu". To express gratitude for the meal to a host or restaurant staff, use the polite "Gochisousamadeshita".

Visiting & Workplace: When stepping into someone's home, always say "Ojama shimasu" at the entryway. In the workplace, acknowledge each other's hard work with "Otsukaresamadesu"; if you make a serious mistake requiring a formal apology, you must use the highest level of apology: "Moushiwake arimasen".

Tap images to hear English pronunciation

1. What is the difference between saying "good morning" in Japanese to friends versus elders?
When addressing elders or teachers, you must use the honorific "Ohayou gozaimasu". If you bump into peers or close friends in the hallway, simply using the more casual "Ohayou" is sufficient.

2. When traveling in Japan, what two phrases should you say before and after a meal?
Before you start eating, say "Itadakimasu". After finishing your meal and before paying the bill, use the polite "Gochisousamadeshita" to thank the chef for the meal. If you are simply at home with family, the casual "Gochisousama" is sufficient.

3. In a Japanese workplace, how do you say "thanks for your hard work" when seeing colleagues or leaving for the day?
The ultimate go-to expression in a Japanese workplace is "Otsukaresamadesu". You can use it when passing a teacher in the hallway after class or when leaving the office at the end of the day.

4. Q: How many ways are there to say "sorry" in Japanese?
The levels of formality vary greatly! For minor apologies, squeezing past someone, or calling over a server to take your order, use the all-purpose phrase "Sumimasen". For a sincere apology to close friends, use "Gomennasai". If you make a major mistake or need to deliver an ultimate formal apology to clients or superiors, you must use "Moushiwake arimasen".