Basic Japanese Greetings and How to Bow Properly
Knowing how to say hello in Japanese is simple to learn and essential before visiting Japan. Furthermore, these greetings could prove useful in various situations closer to home as well.
Moreover, speaking a few words of Japanese not only brings smiles but also shows respect and interest in the local culture. Learning some basics of the local language is always beneficial for connecting with a place more deeply.
Interestingly, Japanese is easier to learn than other tonal Asian languages like Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Thai. Additionally, understanding proper bowing etiquette—rather than awkwardly trying to return an unexpected bow—adds much confidence. Not returning someone’s bow is considered very disrespectful, even if you’re unsure of how to bow correctly.
Basic Japanese Greetings
The foundational greeting in Japanese, Konnichiwa (pronounced: “kon-nee-chee-wah”), is mainly used in the afternoon. This phrase works as a respectful yet generic way to greet almost anyone, whether a friend or stranger.
While Konnichiwa has transformed from a longer greeting to a more casual hello, its modern use remains similar to saying “good day,” regardless of the specific time.
Although konnichiwa suffices, Japanese people tend to use various greetings depending on the time of day, as well as for holidays or special occasions like birthdays. Here’s a quick overview:
- Good morning: Ohayou gozaimasu (pronounced: “oh-hi-oh goh-zai-mas”). You can also shorten it to ohayou for informal situations.
- Good afternoon: Konnichiwa
- Good evening: Konbanwa (pronounced: “kon-bahn-wah”)
- Good night: Oyasumi nasai (pronounced: “oy-yah-sue-mee nah-sigh”)
Note that while Japanese isn’t tonal, it uses a pitch accent system, with words spoken at different pitches based on region. While the Tokyo accent is considered standard, expect variations across the country.
Asking “How Are You?” in Japanese
To ask someone how they are doing formally, use ogenki desu ka? (pronounced: “oh-gain-kee des-kah”). Remember, the “u” in desu is silent.
If you’re doing well, you can reply with watashi wa genki desu (pronounced: “wah-tah-shee wah gain-kee des”) or simply genki desu. Follow each reply with arigato (pronounced: “ar-ee-gah-toh”), meaning “thanks.” Saying arigato! with enthusiasm is encouraged.
Next, you can inquire anata wa? (pronounced: “ahn-nah-taw-wah”), which means “and you?”
Informally, you can ask similar questions like:
- What’s up? Nannika atta (pronounced: “nah-nee-kah-tah”)
- What’s new? Kawatta koto aru (pronounced: “ka-wah-tah koto ar-ew”)
- How is everything? Dou shiteru (pronounced: “doh-stair-ew”)
A casual reply to a friend might be aikawarazu desu (pronounced: “eye-kah-wah-raz des”), implying “same as usual.”
Bowing in Japan
While saying hello in Japanese is relatively straightforward, the intricacies of bowing can initially confuse Westerners. Don’t be surprised if a new Japanese friend opts for a handshake to ease any potential embarrassment.
If you find yourself in a situation where bows are customary, there’s no need to panic! Generally, Japanese people don’t expect a deep understanding of their customs from Westerners. Consequently, they will be pleasantly surprised if you demonstrate some cultural knowledge. In uncertain moments, a casual nod can suffice instead of a bow.
Nevertheless, it’s important to acknowledge a bow with some gesture of respect.
How to Bow in Japan
In Japanese culture, men bow with arms straight and hands at their sides. Women, however, typically clasp their hands in front of them when bowing.
Maintain a straight back and bend at the waist while looking downward. Generally, the longer and deeper the bow, the more respect you convey. Be sure to bow deeper for elders and authority figures. When in doubt, extend your bow slightly longer and deeper than the one you received.
A casual bow involves bending approximately 15 degrees at the waist, while a bow to strangers or as a way to express thanks should reach around 30 degrees. Lastly, the most formal bow—used for apologies or showing deep respect—requires bending to about 45 degrees, pointing your gaze directly at your shoes.
Tip: Unless you’re preparing to fight, avoid making eye contact while bowing, as this can be regarded as mistrustful or aggressive.
In formal settings, bows can be exchanged multiple times. During this, maintain shorter and shallower bows until both parties agree enough respect has been portrayed.
Sometimes, a bow accompanies a Western handshake; combining both can be awkward. If space constrains you after handshaking, turning slightly to the left can prevent collisions.
After the greetings, you might receive a business card. When doing so, accept it with both hands, read it attentively, and treat it with utmost respect; storing it in your back pocket is highly discouraged in Japanese business etiquette.
Saying “Cheers” in Japanese
After mastering the art of greetings, you’ll want to know how to express “cheers” when enjoying drinks with new friends. While Japanese drinking etiquette involves various nuances, here are the critical points:
- The way to say cheers in Japanese is with an enthusiastic kanpai! (pronounced: “gahn-pie!”).
- Moreover, ensure that you pronounce sake as “sah-keh,” not “sak-key” as commonly misheard.
