“Konnichiwa” & More Ways Of Saying Hello In Japanese

When you’re in the fruit aisle of your favorite supermarket and you’re confused about what type of mango you should get, you can always ask someone around you for help. It might be best to ask an employee, or you could start a friendly exchange with a stranger about which variety they recommend. Bear in mind that whenever you ask a question, you should always begin with a kind hello.

A hello greeting is always appreciated; there’s something about the word that feels warm and welcoming. This sentiment is shared all over the world, especially in Japan, where saying hello is a sign of respect. There are many ways of saying hello in Japanese, each with its own level of formality.

• Hello (Formal): こんにちは (konnichiwa)
• Excuse me: すみません (sumimasen)
• Yo (Casual): よ (yo)
• Hi (Informal): やあ (yaa)
• Good morning (Informal): おはよう (ohayou)
• Good morning (Formal): おはようございます (ohayou gozaimasu)
• Good evening (Formal): こんばんは (konbawa)
• Hey (Casual/Slang): おす (ossu)
• Yoohoo (Casual): ヤッホ (ya-ho)
• I’m home: ただいま (tadaima)
• Long time no see: お久しぶりですね (o-hisashiburi desu ne)
• How are you: お元気ですか (O-genki desu ka)
• How’s it going: 調子はどうですか (Choushi wa dou desu ka)
• Welcome: いらっしゃいませ (Irasshaimase)
• Hello (on the phone): もしもし (moshi moshi)
• What’s up (Casual): どうも (domo)
• Hey (Casual): おーい (oi)