The busy streets of Tokyo, the serenity of cherry blossoms, or maybe even the smell of sushi are but a few things that come to mind when Japan is brought up. However, many people also add another charming aspect of Japanese culture to this list: its language, full of expressive phrases, most of which are as polite as they are poetic. Among these expressions, one has found its way into the hearts of many – the iconic greeting: “Moshi moshi.”
You might have picked it up from your favorite anime, Japanese drama, or maybe even used it when speaking with your friends in Japanese. But what does “moshi moshi” really mean? Is this a more discreet form of hello, or is there more to this catchy greeting? In this article, we will look at the cultural and historical background which this catchy phrase possesses!
“Moshi moshi” is used very frequently in Japan when answering the phone and could be translated as “Hello” or “Hi,” but it’s almost never used outside of phone conversations. Whereas the more general “konnichiwa” or “ohayou gozaimasu” might be acceptable in face-to-face interactions, “moshi moshi” is what one says upon picking up the phone.
You might ask yourself: Why would you use a special phrase, only for phone conversations? Well, the etymology of “moshi moshi” is quite interesting and shows some insights into Japan’s cultural and technological history.
A Peek Into Its Origins
The phrase originated in the late 19th century during the Meiji era, a time when telephones were first introduced to Japan between 1868 and 1912. In such a conservative society, especially among the samurai, communication was highly formal, using words like “mousu,” meaning “to speak” in a more modest language.
The telephone operators and early phone users used the verb “mousu” to turn it into a polite phrase to initiate conversation, mostly because early phone lines were not of good quality and the callers had to confirm the fact that another person heard them. “Moshi” comes from the humble form “moushi,” meaning “to say” or “to speak.” Repeating it twice, “moshi moshi” was confirmation that the call was connected.
Why Twice?
One of the crucial elements of “moshi moshi” is that it gets iterated. Why the repetition? Well, in the early days of the telephone, saying it twice was a means of making sure the connection had really been made. It was a kind of verbal checklist, as if repeating the phrase underlined clarity that both people were on the line, ready to talk.
Repeating the word also reduces the formality of the greeting and makes it sound friendly and casual, which became a kind of rule for future use.
When Should You Use “Moshi Moshi”?
As mentioned, “moshi moshi” is mainly used in the context of answering or initiating a phone call. If someone calls you in Japan, it would sound quite natural to respond with “moshi moshi.” However, there are situations that demand a more formal tone, and it would be more proper to say “hai,” which means “yes” or simply “hello” in a polite way.
Note that “moshi moshi” is essentially informal, which means that if you are in a professional setting – for example, an office – or speaking with someone of higher status, the use of “moshi moshi” may be too casual. In those instances, you should use a more formal greeting.
Cultural Significance
But beyond its literal meaning, “moshi moshi” occupies a place in the modern Japanese mind as a sort of cultural icon for quotidian politeness. Much as “hello” can represent friendliness in the Anglophone world, “moshi moshi” reflects the value placed upon clear communication and respect. It is a considerate effort to make sure the other person can hear you, a small but profound way of showing respect to the listener.
Fun Fact: Ghosts Can’t Say “Moshi Moshi”!
Here’s a fun fact! Japanese folklore says ghosts or spirits can never say “moshi moshi.” That is, these supernatural beings are only able to utter the word “moshi” once; so, if you hear it but never get the second one, beware!
This folk tale is mostly told in jest, but it almost makes the common, everyday phrase a bit of a cultural superstition as well.
Conclusion
So, next time you are in the middle of a Japanese phone conversation or watching your favorite anime and hear “moshi moshi,” you know there is more to it than just meeting the bare essentials of a greeting. It is enriched in history, reflecting the politeness and clarity that define Japanese communication.
Be it for language students or anybody fascinated with Japanese culture, “moshi moshi” is an interesting example of how even the most trivial words sometimes have deep cultural undertones. So, next time, why not try answering the phone with a “moshi moshi”? Just make sure it’s a friend on the line and not a ghost!
