Japanese Greetings for Various Situations
As the Japanese saying goes "Start with a bow and end with a bow", Japanese people regard being polite and expressing it by greetings as very important. Let's learn key phrases here! *() shows Keigo (polite form).
Daily Japanese Greetings
おはよう(ございます)。 |
Good morning. |
Seasonal Greetings
メリークリスマス |
Merry Christmas. |
良いお年を(お迎えください)。 |
Have a good New Year. |
あけましておめでとう(ございます)。 |
Happy New Year. |
Farewell Greetings
ごきげんよう。 |
Good-bye. *Only middle aged ladies use |
また 後で / 今度 / 明日。 |
See you later / next time / tomorrow. |
~~ に気をつけて。 |
Take care of ~~. *We usually mention a specific object such as 「車に気をつけて。」 |
Apologetic Phrases
Casual
ごめん(なさい)。
Neutral
すみません(でした)。
Formal
申し訳ありません(でした)。
Japanese Traditional or Unique Greetings
いってきます。 |
*When you leave your place |
いってらっしゃい。 |
*When you see people out |
ただいま(戻りました)。 |
*When you are back |
おかえり(なさい)。 |
*When someone is back |
おじゃまします。 |
*When you visit someone’s place |
いらっしゃい。 |
*When someone visits your place |
いただきます。 |
*When you start eating |
ごちそうさま(でした)。 |
*When you finish eating |
Business Japanese Greetings
いらっしゃいませ。 |
Welcome to our shop, restaurant, etc. |
いつもお世話になっております。 |
I appreciate your help as always. *It’s almost always used when you meet an acquaintance. |
ご無沙汰しております。 |
It has been a long time since I met you last. |
お先に失礼します。 |
See you tomorrow. *Lit: Excuse me for leaving before you. |
Conclusion
Some of them can not be translated because the phrases are related Japanese cultures. If you come to know even the culture, you will certainly prevent making a mistake in vocabulary. Let's learn together next.
Recommended Links
10 Ways of Saying “I’m late” in Japanese
15 Phrases: How to Say “You’re Welcome” in Japanese
25 Phrases: How to Say “Thank You” in Japanese