The Japanese language and culture is centered on respect and formality. How you greet other people in general depends on who you are addressing and the context in which the greeting is given. However, most of the time, the greeting "konnichiwa" (pronounced "kon-ni-chi-wa") is appropriate. In addition, the culture of bowing in Japan is more or less the same as the culture of shaking hands in Western countries (and some Asian countries). Therefore, it is important that you follow the proper protocol.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Saying the Standard Greeting
Step 1. Use “konnichiwa” (こんにちは) to greet people in most situations
“Konnichiwa” (pronounced as “kon-ni-chi-wa”) is the most common greeting to say “hello” in Japanese, and is considered a “versatile” greeting. You can use it during the day to greet anyone, regardless of their social status.
“Konnichiwa” comes from the word “today” in the phrase “How are you today?” in Japanese. Therefore, this greeting is not suitable for use in the afternoon or evening (after sunset). Also, you won't often hear Japanese people use this greeting in the morning
Pronunciation Tips:
In Japanese, syllables are not stressed as in some foreign languages. However, syllables in Japanese are distinguished by tone of voice. The same word can mean different things when pronounced in different tones. Therefore, try to listen to how Japanese people pronounce the word you want to learn, and imitate the tone accurately.
Step 2. Greet people with “ohayō gozaimasu” (おはよう) in the morning
The greeting “ohayō gozaimasu” (pronounced as “o-ha-yo go-za-i-mas”, and the “u” vowel in the “su” syllable is not read) means “good morning” in Japanese and is the standard greeting. replace the greeting "konnichiwa" in the morning (usually before 10 am). This greeting can be spoken to a complete stranger, or when you are addressing someone in a higher position, such as a teacher or boss.
This greeting can be said when you are approaching someone or leaving the company (as a "goodbye"). However, but pay attention to the time available. During the day, it's a good idea to use the word “sayonara” (pronounced “sa-yo-na-ra”)
Step 3. Switch to the greeting “konbanwa” (こんばんは) in the afternoon or evening
The word “konbanwa” (pronounced “kon[g]-ban-wa”) means “good afternoon/evening” in Japanese and can be used when you greet anyone in the afternoon or evening after sunset. In addition, this greeting can be used when you meet someone or part ways.
When saying goodbye or parting ways, you can also use the phrase “oyasumi nasai” (おやすみなさい) to say “goodbye” at night. This phrase is not usually used as a greeting, and is only spoken when you say goodbye or say goodbye. Pronounce this phrase as “o-ya-su-mi na-sai”)
Cultural Tips:
Due to the formality prevailing in Japanese culture, greetings for morning and evening/evening are more restricted than greetings for the afternoon when compared to Western culture. In English or Indonesian, you can say “Hello!” or “Hello!” to anyone, regardless of the time. However, you should never say “konnichiwa” in the morning or evening/evening while in Japan.
Step 4. Continue greeting with the question “o genki desu ka” (お元気ですか)
The phrase “O genki desu ka” (pronounced “o gen[g]-ki des-ka”) is a polite and formal question to say “How are you?” In addition, this phrase is also appropriate to use to start a conversation with someone you just met.
- With this phrase, you can connect with the other person. In addition, this question is considered polite and respectful, especially when you meet someone who is older or higher in position.
- If someone asks this question, answer the question with the answer “o kagesama de genki desu” (pronounced “o ka-ge-sa-ma de gen[g]-ki des”) which means “Thank you. I am doing well."
Step 5. Answer phone calls with the phrase “moshi moshi” (もしもし)
In English or Indonesian, you can answer someone on the phone using the same greeting that is spoken when you meet in person. However, Japanese has a special greeting used when calling someone. You can say “moshi moshi” (pronounced “mo-syi mo-syi”), whether you are first dialing or answering a phone call.
Never use the phrase “moshi moshi” to address someone directly. You will sound or look strange to other people
Pronunciation Tips:
Many Japanese speakers pronounce this phrase so quickly that it sounds like "mos-mos" because the vowels in the last syllables are not pronounced.
Method 2 of 3: Using Informal Greetings
Step 1. Use a shortened version of “konnichiwa” for people you already know
When you speak more quickly, especially to people you know, it's okay if you don't pronounce all the syllables of the greeting “konnichiwa” completely. This greeting will sound like “kon-chi-wa” when pronounced quickly.
This shortened version of the greeting may be heard more often in urban areas (eg Tokyo) because Japanese speakers speak faster in these areas
Step 2. Shorten greetings for friends and family members
All standard Japanese greetings become shorter when you are speaking to a person your age or younger, or someone you know well. Some of the shorter forms of greeting include:
- “Ohayō” (pronounced “O-ha-yo”) instead of “ohayō gozaimasu” to say “Good morning”.
- “Genki desuka” (pronounced “gen[g]-ki des-ka”) instead of “o genki desu ka” to say “How are you?”.
- “Oyasumi” (pronounced “o-ya-su-mi”) instead of “oyasumi nasai” to say “Good night” (while saying goodbye)
Step 3. Say “ossu” if you are a boy and want to say hello to a male friend you are already familiar with
The word “ossu” (pronounced “oss”) is an informal greeting, similar to greeting “Hey, dude!” in English or “Hi, buddy!” in Indonesian. This greeting is only used among male friends and relatives of the same age.
The word “ossu” is rarely used among female friends, or by someone to someone of a different gender
Step 4. Greet friends with the word " yahoo " if you are young
The word “yaho” (pronounced “ya-ho”) is a very informal greeting and is usually used by girls to greet their female friends. Even if you're older, you can still use this word to greet other friends if you're feeling young and cool.
Boys and young men use the word “yo” (pronounced “yo”) more often than “yahoo”
Cultural Tips:
Some people (and some regions in general) prefer a more formal culture. If you are in doubt, do not immediately use slang until it is used by the other person first.
Method 3 of 3: Proper Bending
Step 1. Complete your greeting by bowing
Japanese speakers will usually bow while greeting as a form of respect to the other person. This means that you need to bow while saying “konnichiwa”–and not after.
The culture of bowing in Japan can be said to be similar to the culture of shaking hands in Western countries (and some Asian countries). However, generally in Western culture and some Asian countries, you say hello first, then extend your hand to shake hands with the other person. This is the main difference in Japanese body language when greeting
Step 2. Bend from the hips with your back straight and your arms at your sides
Bowing with the shoulders or head alone is considered rude if it is done to someone you don't know, an old person, or someone with a higher position. Straighten your arms and make sure the backs of your hands are facing the other person.
- When bending, do so at your normal pace. Lean forward, and straighten yourself back up at the same speed. For reference, imagine the speed at which your body moves when you shake hands with someone.
- Always look ahead. Try looking at the ground or floor in front of you when bending over, or at the other person's feet.
Step 3. Return the respect others give
If you are the first to say hello, you will usually need to bow first. The other person will bow while greeting you. However, if the other person greets and bows first, you should bow to return the respect.
One bend is usually sufficient. When you bow, and the other person reciprocates, you usually don't have to bow again
Cultural Tips:
Try stooping slightly lower than the person you're talking to, especially when you're dealing with a stranger, an older person, or someone with a higher position.
Step 4. Adjust the angle when bowing to show a degree of respect
Japanese culture upholds hierarchy. The depth of your bowing reflects the level of formality and social respect for the other person. Usually, bending at an angle of 15 degrees is considered appropriate.
- Bowing at a 30-degree angle is appropriate when greeting someone who is older or in a higher position (eg boss or teacher).
- You can also bow much lower (up to 45 degrees), but this form of respect is generally given when you meet someone who is highly respected (or with a very high status in society), such as the prime minister or emperor of Japan.
Step 5. Bow to each person separately
If you are greeting several people, you will need to greet each person separately. This means that you have to repeat the ritual of bowing for everyone you meet.
If this seems odd, think about what you would do when you were introduced to your business associates in a more formal setting. Usually, you will shake hands with everyone when their name is mentioned. This is no different from the bowing culture
Step 6. Nod your head instead of bowing when greeting close friends of the same age
When greeting a close friend, especially if you are young, the salutation usually doesn't need to be overly formal. However, the culture of bowing can be replaced by a nod of the head when you greet a close friend of the same age.
- If you're greeting a close friend and he or she is accompanied by someone you don't know, give that person a formal bow. If you just nod your head, you will be viewed as rude by the person concerned.
- When in doubt, follow what others are doing, especially when you visit Japan. If the other person just nods their head, there's a good chance that you won't be seen as rude if you just nod your head in return.
