In Japan, greeting is a formal interaction that is formed from ritual or custom. Foreigners are expected to follow this custom to respect the host (in this case, the Japanese). Greetings spoken to friends are different from greetings spoken to strangers. In addition, there is also a greeting given to high-ranking officials or honorable people. Mastery of these greetings shows that you are capable of respecting Japanese traditions.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Respecting Greeting Etiquette in Japan
Step 1. Wait until you are introduced to other people
In Japan, it's considered rude to introduce yourself right away. If possible, wait until you are introduced by others, in both formal and informal situations. This shows that you understand your own status and its relationship to the status of others.
Step 2. Bend over
When Japanese men and women greet each other, they bow to show respect. Foreign (non-Japanese) men and women are expected to follow this custom. To bend properly, you need to show good posture. Place your heels together and place your palms on your thighs. There are four ways of bending to note:
- Eshaku (bowing down to say hello) is done in a 15° angle. This procedure is carried out at an informal meeting. Even if you don't hold it for a long time (less than 2 seconds), it's important that you don't appear to be in a rush when you do it.
- Futsuu rei (bowing down out of respect for others) is performed at an angle of 30° to 45°. This procedure is performed for two deep breaths.
- Saikei rei (bowing to pay higher respects) is performed at an angle of 45° or 70°. This procedure can be done in any situation. Usually you need to do this for 2 seconds.
- In very formal situations, you will need to bow deeper and longer.
Step 3. Refrain from sticking out your hand
In Western countries (including in Indonesian culture), a handshake is an acceptable and acceptable greeting component, both in formal and informal situations. However, handshakes are not part of the Japanese tradition. When meeting other people, don't reach out your hand.
Method 2 of 3: Greet a Peer, Acquaintance, or Someone You Just Know
Step 1. Say hello to friends
When meeting with friends, you can say “hisashiburi”. This phrase means “Nice to meet you again.” In addition, this phrase can also be interpreted as "Long time no see." This greeting is pronounced as “hi-sa-shi-bu-ri”, with the consonant “sh” sounding like “sy”.
Step 2. Greet an acquaintance you've met before
When meeting an acquaintance, you can say “mata o ai shimashitane”. Translated, this phrase means “I see you again.” This phrase can also be translated as “We meet again”. This greeting is pronounced as “ma-ta o ai shi-MASH-ta-ne”.
Step 3. Greet the stranger
When you are introduced to a new person for the first time, you can say “hajjmemashite”. This phrase means "Nice to meet you". This greeting is pronounced as "ha-ji-me-MA-shi-te".
Method 3 of 3: Greet a Distinguished or Respected Person
Step 1. Greet someone with a high status
There are a number of special greetings given to distinguished people.
- When you first meet a respected man or woman, you can say “oai dekite kouei desu”. This phrase means “Nice to meet you.” This greeting is pronounced as “o-ai de-ki-te koo-ee des”.
- When you meet a famous person for the second time, say "mata oai dekite kouei desu". This phrase means “It is a pleasure for me to meet you again.” This greeting is pronounced as "ma-ta o-ai de-ki-ta koo-ee des".
Step 2. Greet the respectable person
When meeting a respected person, such as a business owner, you can use a slightly lighter greeting.
- When you meet this person for the first time, say "oai dekite kouei desu". This phrase means “Nice to meet you” and is pronounced as “o-ai de-ki-te koo-ee des”.
- When meeting for the second time, you can say "mata oai dekite ureshii desu". This phrase means “Nice to meet you again.” This greeting is pronounced as "ma-ta o-ai de-ki-te U-re-shii des".
Step 3. Insert “O” in front of the informal greeting
In Japan, there are several greetings used when meeting people of higher status. To change an informal greeting to a formal greeting, insert "O" at the beginning of the phrase.
