In Japanese, a simple “hello” isn’t always こんにちは. The greeting you use depends on the time of day, the situation, and your relationship with the other person.
Below are 10 of the most natural greetings that come closest in meaning and use to the English “hello.”
The 10 Most Natural Greetings
1. こんにちは (Konnichiwa) — Hello / Good Afternoon
The most straightforward and traditional equivalent of “hello.” Use it from late morning until early evening.
2. おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) — Good Morning (Formal)
Polite and appropriate for formal or respectful situations in the morning.
3. おはよう (Ohayou) — Morning! (Casual)
Casual and friendly; use with friends, peers, or people you’re close to in the morning.
4. こんばんは (Konbanwa) — Good Evening
A polite greeting used in the evening. Suitable for both formal and informal situations.
5. やあ (Yaa) — Hey!
Casual and cheerful—often used with friends or co-workers in informal settings.
6. もしもし (Moshi moshi) — Hello (On the Phone)
The standard greeting when answering or making a phone call.
7. どうも (Doumo) — Hi / Hey (Casual)
A casual, low-effort greeting; often used with colleagues or acquaintances in relaxed situations.
8. はじめまして (Hajimemashite) — Nice to Meet You
Not exactly “hello,” but used when meeting someone for the first time. It marks the beginning of a new relationship.
9. おっす (Ossu) — Yo! (Very Casual, Mainly Male)
A high-energy greeting used mostly between young men, especially in sports or martial arts circles.
10. 久しぶり (Hisashiburi) — Long Time No See!
Used when meeting someone after a while. It’s informal, friendly, and conversational.
Quick Comparison Table
| Japanese (Kana) | Romaji | English Equivalent | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| こんにちは | Konnichiwa | Hello / Good Afternoon | Late morning to early evening |
| おはようございます | Ohayou gozaimasu | Good Morning (Formal) | Morning, polite situations |
| おはよう | Ohayou | Morning! (Casual) | Morning, with friends or peers |
| こんばんは | Konbanwa | Good Evening | Evening, formal or casual |
| やあ | Yaa | Hey! | Informal, with friends/co-workers |
| もしもし | Moshi moshi | Hello (on the phone) | Answering/making calls |
| どうも | Doumo | Hi / Hey | Casual, low-effort greeting |
| はじめまして | Hajimemashite | Nice to meet you | First-time meetings |
| おっす | Ossu | Yo! (Very casual) | Between young men, sports/martial arts |
| 久しぶり | Hisashiburi | Long time no see! | Informal, when meeting after a while |
