In Japan, while there are universal greetings similar to the English “Hello” or “Hi,” the most commonly used expressions are those that are divided based on the time of day.
Using these greetings correctly gives Japanese speakers a great impression, signaling, “This person is trying to understand Japanese culture.”
1. Ohayō Gozaimasu: The Crisp Morning Standard
This greeting corresponds to “Good Morning.”
| Phrase | Reading (Romaji) | Meaning | How to Use |
| おはようございます | Ohayō Gozaimasu | Polite “Good Morning” | Use in formal situations with your boss, customers, elderly people, or people you are not yet close with. |
| おはよう | Ohayō | Casual “Good Morning” | Use in casual situations with family, friends, or close colleagues. |
- 🌅 When to Use: From when you wake up until around noon (approx. 11 AM).
- 💡 Quick Tip: This phrase originally meant, “You are early (up early),” and it includes a feeling of acknowledging and appreciating someone who is already active early in the morning.
2. Konnichiwa: The Most Common Daytime Greeting
This greeting corresponds to “Hello” or “Good Afternoon.”
| Phrase | Reading (Romaji) | Meaning | How to Use |
| こんにちは | Konnichiwa | “Today is a good day” | This is the most common greeting, usable in almost any situation. While you can technically use it anytime, it is mainly used during the daytime. |
- ☀️ When to Use: Roughly from 11 AM until sunset (around 5 PM – 6 PM).
- 💡 Quick Tip: “Konnichiwa” is an abbreviation of phrases like “Today (Konnichi wa), the weather is nice, isn’t it?” or “Today (Konnichi wa), are you well?”
3. Konbanwa: The Start of the Evening Greeting
This greeting corresponds to “Good Evening.”
| Phrase | Reading (Romaji) | Meaning | How to Use |
| こんばんは | Konbanwa | “It is this evening” | Use this to greet someone you are meeting for the first time that night, not as a farewell. |
- 🌙 When to Use: From after sunset (around 5 PM – 6 PM) until late at night.
- 💡 Quick Tip: Like Konnichiwa, “Konbanwa” is also an abbreviation, shortened from a phrase like “How are you spending this evening (Konban wa)?”
Summary: Rules for Use
Japanese daily greetings are primarily divided by two factors: time of day and your relationship with the person.
| Greeting | Time of Day | Relationship with the Person |
| Ohayō Gozaimasu | Morning | Polite (Formal) |
| Ohayō | Morning | Close (Casual) |
| Konnichiwa | Daytime | The most standard greeting, usable for anyone |
| Konbanwa | Evening | Standard greeting, usable for anyone |
Mastering these three (or six) greetings is the first step toward smooth communication in Japan!
The Silent Language: How to Master the Bow (Ojigi)
Just as important, or even more important, than the spoken greeting is the bow (お辞儀 / Ojigi).
There are several types of bows, and the angle you bend at conveys different meanings.
The basic rule for the Japanese bow is to bend from the waist with a straight back—not just lowering your head.
| Type of Bow | Angle (Approx.) | Main Usage Scenarios | Cultural Meaning |
| 1. Eshaku (会釈) | 15 degrees | Passing colleagues in the hallway, entering a shop, very light greetings. | A casual expression of “I lightly acknowledge you.” |
| 2. Keirei (敬礼) | 30 degrees | First introductions, general business greetings, greeting a superior. | The standard expression of “I show respect to you.” |
| 3. Saikeirei (最敬礼) | 45 degrees or more | Sincere apology, deep gratitude, greeting a special VIP. | The deepest expression of “My utmost respect and thanks (or regret).” |
💡 The Golden Rules of Bowing
- Eye Contact: While bowing, do not look the other person in the eye. Look down toward your feet (or slightly ahead, depending on the angle of the bow). Looking at the other person’s eyes is considered rude.
- Timing: After you finish your spoken greeting, start the bow calmly. It is considered more polite to raise your head slightly after the other person does.
In Japanese culture, a greeting is a means of conveying the message “I respect you” not only through words but also through attitude and action.
For example, handshakes and hugs, common in Western countries, are rarely used in Japan because the bow can more accurately reflect the other person’s social status and your relationship.
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