Greetings and Farewells

Greetings and farewells are a good place to start because they are used in daily life. You can consider them an introduction to Japanese; they are something you can begin practicing right away. I did not include any Kanji, but most of these phrases are usually written in Kana alone anyway. I’ve included the phrases in Romanji for those who may not know the Kana yet and offered explanations about why and when they are used.  Some of theses are considered casual, polite or formal. Casual phrases are considered rude when used in formal situations (such as when you are speaking to someone who is not familiar, someone who is older, someone who is more powerful or during ceremonies, etc.).  Formal phrases are too stiff for relaxed, casual conversations with close friends and family.  Polite forms are good most of the time, unless the situation calls for more rigid  formality. Some of the phrases below are not exactly considered formal or informal but are simply significant in Japanese culture.

Introductions are naturally formal. (For one thing, you obviously don’t know the person personally.) These first two greetings are used when meeting a person for the first time.  After that, you don’t have to worry about saying them again (to that particular person). Of course, when you meet a new person you will have to use it then!

• はじめまして   (hajimemashite) — Nice to meet you. (Used only when meeting someone for the first time)
• よろしくおねがいします (yoroshiku onegaishimas) — Please treat me kindly. (Used only when introducing oneself for the first time)

Below are some greetings that are used in daily life.  You’ll notice that for some of the phrases, は (normally pronounced ‘ha’) is pronounced ‘wa’.  This is because these phrases are shortened forms of originally longer expressions.

• おはよう (ohayou) — Mornin’. (casual; usually used until 11am)
• おはようございます (ohayou gozaimas) Good morning. (polite; usually used until 11am)
• こんにちは (konnichiwa) — Hello. Good afternoon.
• こんばんは (konbanwa) — Good evening.
• おひさしぶりです — (ohisashiburi des) It’s been a long time. (this is the polite form; casual ひさびさ (hisabisa) is like “Long time no see.”)
• ただいま (tadaima) — (similar to ”Im back.”; used when returning home)
• おかえりなさい (okaerinasai) — Welcome home.

Keep in mind that not all of these farewells match every situation.

• さようなら (sayounara) — Good bye. (formal; used when one is leaving for a long period of time)
• バイバイ (baibai) — Bye. (casual)
• じゃね / またね！( ja ne/mata ne!) — See you! Later! (casual)
• またあいましょう！(mata aimashou!) See you later! Let’s meet again! (polite)
• おやすみ (oyasumi) — G’night. (casual)
• おやすみなさい (oyasuminasai) — Good night. (polite)
• いってきます (ittekimas) — I’m going and coming back. (used when leaving home)
• おだいじに (odaiji ni) — Take care of yourself.
• いってらっしゃい (itterasshai) – Go and come back. (said to someone who is leaving home)

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