Greetings

挨拶・あいさつ

挨拶・あいさつ (Aisatsu)

1. こんにちは (Konnichiwa)

• Meaning: Hello
• Usage: Used as a daytime greeting, typically in the afternoon.

2. おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu)

• Meaning: Good morning
• Usage: Morning greeting. In formal settings, "おはようございます" is used, while "おはよう" is a casual version used among friends.

3. こんばんは (Konbanwa)

• Meaning: Good evening
• Usage: Used as a greeting in the evening or late afternoon.

4. どうも (Doumo)

• Meaning: Hi/Thank you
• Usage: Used casually for a quick greeting or to express thanks. It’s informal and commonly used among acquaintances.

5. もしもし (Moshi moshi)

• Meaning: Hello (on the phone)
• Usage: Typically used as a greeting when answering the phone.

6. お元気ですか (Ogenki desu ka)

• Meaning: How are you?
• Usage: A polite way to ask about someone’s well-being, often used in small talk.

7. 久しぶり (Hisashiburi)

• Meaning: Long time no see
• Usage: Informal greeting used when meeting someone after a long period of time.

8. お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu)

• Meaning: Thank you for your hard work
• Usage: Commonly used in the workplace to express appreciation or acknowledgment for someone’s efforts, often when leaving work.

9. 失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu)

• Meaning: Excuse me/Goodbye
• Usage: A polite phrase used when entering or leaving someone’s office or a formal space, showing respect.

10. ありがとう (Arigatou)

• Meaning: Thank you
• Usage: Although it’s a phrase for gratitude, "ありがとう" can sometimes be used casually as a greeting after receiving help.