Japanese phrases: Greetings and goodbyes
People in Japan usually bow instead of shaking hands; for everyday greetings a small nod of the head is enough.
Speed:
- おはようございます。Ohayō gozaimasu.Good morning. · Polite. To friends and family: (ohayō).
- こんにちは。Konnichiwa.Hello. / Good afternoon. · From late morning until it gets dark. The last sign is the particle は, said wa.
- こんばんは。Konbanwa.Good evening.
- はじめまして。Hajimemashite.Nice to meet you. · Only when you meet someone for the first time.
- よろしくお願いします。Yoroshiku onegai shimasu.Pleased to meet you. · Said after introducing yourself; literally “please treat me kindly”. Also used when asking for a favour.
- お元気ですか。Ogenki desu ka.How are you? · For someone you haven't seen for a while, not an everyday greeting.
- はい、元気です。Hai, genki desu.I'm fine, thanks.
- お久しぶりです。Ohisashiburi desu.Long time no see. · Polite. To friends: (hisashiburi).
- お疲れ様です。Otsukaresama desu.Hello. / Thanks for your work. · Between colleagues, when passing in the office or at the end of the day. Literally “you must be tired”.
- さようなら。Sayōnara.Goodbye. · Sounds rather final. Adults more often say (shitsurei shimasu) or, to friends, (jā, mata).
- またね。Mata ne.See you. · Casual, to friends and family.
- おやすみなさい。Oyasumi nasai.Good night. · Only when going to bed or parting late at night. To family and friends: (oyasumi).