Japanese Greetings

The most common Japanese greetings and goodbyes are “やあ。” (Hello.), “元気ですか。” (How are you?), “はじめまして。” (Nice to meet you.), “お願いします。” (Please.) and “さようなら。” (Goodbye.). Below are all 35, grouped by situation, each with its English meaning. Tap any one to hear it.

35 phrases · 5 situations · #1–35 of 333 · Updated

Saying hello

Hello for any time of day, and good night for the end of it.

  1. #1 やあ。 Hello.
  2. #2 おはようございます。 Good morning.
  3. #3 今日は。 Good afternoon.
  4. #4 こんばんは。 Good evening.
  5. #5 おやすみなさい。 Good night.
  6. #25 ようこそ。 Welcome.

Asking how someone is

How are you is part of hello. Answer short, then ask back.

  1. #9 元気ですか。 How are you?
  2. #10 元気です、ありがとう。 I'm fine, thank you.
  3. #11 あなたは？ And you?
  4. #28 久しぶり。 Long time no see.
  5. #29 お元気でしたか。 How have you been?
  6. #30 元気でした。 I've been well.
  7. #31 会えてうれしい。 Good to see you.

Meeting someone new

Give your name, ask theirs, and say you are glad to meet them.

  1. #12 はじめまして。 Nice to meet you.
  2. #13 お名前は？ What's your name?
  3. #14 アンナです。 My name is Anna.
  4. #26 初めまして。 How do you do?
  5. #27 お会いできて嬉しいです。 Pleased to meet you.

Polite words

Please, thank you, sorry: the short words that keep any conversation friendly.

  1. #15 お願いします。 Please.
  2. #16 ありがとう。 Thank you.
  3. #17 どうもありがとう。 Thank you very much.
  4. #18 どういたしまして。 You're welcome.
  5. #19 すみません。 Excuse me.
  6. #20 ごめんなさい。 I'm sorry.
  7. #21 問題ないです。 No problem.
  8. #22 はい、もちろん。 Yes, of course.
  9. #35 乾杯！ Cheers!

Saying goodbye

From a quick see you later to have a safe trip.

  1. #6 さようなら。 Goodbye.
  2. #7 また後で。 See you later.
  3. #8 また明日。 See you tomorrow.
  4. #23 良い一日を。 Have a nice day.
  5. #24 気をつけて。 Take care.
  6. #32 またすぐに。 See you soon.
  7. #33 よく眠ってね。 Sleep well.
  8. #34 気をつけて行ってらっしゃい。 Have a safe trip.

Know them. Then say them without freezing.

333 Sentences takes you through these one at a time: hear it, build it, fill the gap, say it and compare with the native voice.

Practice in app No card. First 3 sentences free.

Questions about Japanese greetings and goodbyes

What are the most common Japanese greetings and goodbyes?

The most common Japanese greetings and goodbyes are “やあ。” (Hello.), “元気ですか。” (How are you?), “はじめまして。” (Nice to meet you.), “お願いします。” (Please.) and “さようなら。” (Goodbye.). All 35 are on this page, grouped by situation.

How do I learn to say these Japanese phrases?

Practice in the app, one at a time: hear it, build it from its words, fill the gap, then say it and compare with the native audio.

Are these Japanese phrases free?

Yes. Every sentence on this page and its audio is free to read and hear. In the app the first 3 sentences are free; one payment opens the rest.

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