This section describes popular expressions that Japanese people use when dating or saying goodbye.

Group with the meaning "Hello"

Ohayou gozaimasu - "Good morning". A polite greeting. In youth communication it can also be used in the evening. Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression is usually pronounced as "Ohayo gozaimas".

Ohayou- Informal option.

Ossu- A very informal masculine option. Often pronounced as "Oss".

Konnichiwa- "Good afternoon". The usual greeting.

Konbanwa - "Good evening". The usual greeting.

Hisashiburi desu- "Long time no see". Standard polite option.

Hisashiburi ne? (Hisashiburi ne?)- Female version.

Hisashiburi da naa... (Hisashiburi da naa)- Male version.

Yahho! (Yahhoo)- "Hello". Informal option.

Ooi! (Ooi)- "Hello". A very informal men's option. A common greeting for roll call over long distances.

Yo! (Yo!)- "Hello". An exclusively informal men's option.

Gokigenyou- "Hello". A rare, very polite female greeting.

Moshi-moshi- "Hello." Answer by phone.

Group with value "For now"

Sayonara- "Goodbye". Regular option. It is said that if the chances of a new meeting soon are small.

Saraba- "Bye". Informal option.

Mata Ashita- "Till tomorrow". The usual option.

Mata ne- Female version.

Mata naa- Male version.

Dzya, mata (Jaa, mata)- "See you". Informal option.

Jia (Jaa)- A completely informal option.

De wa- A slightly more formal option.

Oyasumi nasai- "Good night". A somewhat formal option.

Oyasumi- Informal option.

"Yes and no"

This section describes popular expressions that are often found in the speech of Japanese people and anime and manga characters and express various options agreement and disagreement.

Group with value "Yes"

Hai- "Yes". Universal standard expression. Can also mean "I understand" and "Continue". That is, it does not necessarily mean consent.

Haa (Haa)- "Yes, sir". A very formal expression.

Uh (Ee)- "Yes". Not very formal.

Ryoukai- "Yes sir". Military or paramilitary option.

Group with value "None"

Ie- "No". Standard polite expression. Also a polite form of declining a thank you or compliment.

Nai- "No". An indication of the absence or non-existence of something.

Betsu ni- "Nothing".

Group with the value "Of course":

Naruhodo- “Of course,” “Of course.”

Motiron- "Naturally!" An indication of confidence in a statement.

Yahari- “That’s what I thought.”

Yappari- A less formal form of the same thing.

Group with value "Maybe"

Maa... (Maa)- "May be..."

Saa... (Saa)- “Well...” I mean, “Perhaps, but doubts still remain.”

Group with the meaning "Really?"

Honto desu ka? (Hontou desu ka?)- “Really?” Polite form.

Honto? (Hontou?)- Less formal.

So what? (Sou ka?)- “Wow...” Sometimes pronounced like "Bitch!"

So desu ka? (Sou desu ka?)- Formal form of the same.

So desu nee... (Sou desu nee)- “That’s how it is...” Formal version.

So da na... (Sou da naa)- Men's informal option.

So nee... (Sou nee)- Women's informal option.

Masaka! (Masaka)- "Can't be!"

Expressions of politeness

This section describes popular expressions of politeness that are often found in the speech of Japanese and anime and manga characters, but are not always clearly translated into Russian and other languages.

Onegai shimasu- Very polite form. Can be used independently. Especially often used in requests like “do something for me.” Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression is usually pronounced as "Onegai Shimas".

Onegai- Less polite, more common form.

- kudasai- Polite form. Added as a suffix to a verb. For example, "kite-kudasai"- "Please, come".

- kudasaimasen ka? (kudasaimasenka)- More polite form. Added as a suffix to a verb. Translates to "could you do something for me?" For example, "kite-kudasaimasen ka?"- “Could you come?”

Group with the meaning "Thank you"

Doumo- Short form, usually said in response to a small “everyday” help, say, in response to a given coat and an offer to enter.

Arigatou gozaimasu- Polite, somewhat formal uniform. Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression is usually pronounced as “ Arigato gozaimas".

Arigatou- Less formal polite form.

Doumo arigatou- "Thank you very much". Polite form.

Doumo arigatou gozaimasu- "Thank you very much". Very polite, formal uniform.

Katajikenai - Old fashioned, very polite uniform.

Osewa ni narimashita- “I am your debtor.” Very polite and formal uniform.

Osewa ni natta- Informal form with the same meaning.

Group with the meaning "Please"

Dou itashimashite) - Polite, formal form.

Iie- "My pleasure". Informal form.

Group with the meaning "Sorry"

Gomen nasai- “Excuse me,” “I beg your pardon,” “I’m very sorry.” A very polite form. Expresses regret for some reason, say, if you have to disturb someone. Usually not an actual apology for a significant offense (unlike "sumimasen").

Gomen- Informal form.

Sumimasen- "I'm sorry". Polite form. Expresses an apology related to the commission of a significant offense.

Sumanai/Suman- Not very polite, usually male form.

Sumanu- Not very polite, old-fashioned form.

Shitsurei shimasu- "I'm sorry". Very polite formal uniform. Used, say, to enter the boss's office.

Shitsurei- Similar, but less formal

Moushiwake arimasen- “I have no forgiveness.” Very polite and formal uniform. Used in the military or business.

Moushiwake nai- Less formal option.

Other expressions

Dozo- "Ask". A short form, an invitation to enter, take a coat, and so on. The usual answer is "Domo".

Chotto... (Chotto)- "No worries". Polite form of refusal. For example, if you are offered tea.

Standard everyday phrases

This section contains everyday phrases that are often found in the speech of Japanese and anime and manga characters, but are not always clearly translated into Russian and other languages.

Group "Departure and Return"

Itte kimasu- “I left, but I’ll be back.” Pronounced when leaving for work or school.

Chotto itte kuru- Less formal. Usually means something like "I'll go out for a minute."

Itte irashai- “Come back quickly.”

Tadaima- “I’m back, I’m home.” Sometimes it is said outside the home. This phrase then means a "spiritual" return home.

Okaeri nasai- "Welcome home." The usual answer to "Tadaima".

Okaeri- less formal form.

Group "Food"

Itadakimasu- Pronounced before starting to eat. Literally - “I accept [this food].” Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression is usually pronounced as "Itadakimas".

Gochisousama deshita- “Thank you, it was very tasty.” Pronounced at the end of a meal.

Gochisousama- Less formal.

Exclamations

This section contains various exclamations that are often found in the speech of Japanese and anime and manga characters, but are not always clearly translated into Russian and other languages.

Kawaii! (Kawaii)- "How lovely!" Often used in relation to children, girls, very handsome guys. In general, this word has a strong meaning of “the appearance of weakness, femininity, passivity (in the sexual sense of the word).” According to the Japanese, the most "kawaii" the creature is a fair-haired good girl about four or five years old with European features faces and blue eyes.

Sugoi! (Sugoi)- “Cool” or “Cool/cool!” In relation to people, it is used to denote "masculinity".

Kakkoii! (Kakkoii!)- "Cool, beautiful, drop dead!"

Suteki! (Suteki!)- "Cool, charming, wonderful!" Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression is usually pronounced as "Stacks!".

Forge! (Kowai)- "Scary!" Expression of fear.

Abunay! (Abunai)- "Dangerous!" or "Look out!"

Hide! (Hidoi!)- “Evil!”, “Evil, bad.”

Tasukete! (Tasukete)- “Help!”, “Help!” Let me remind you that in most cases “u” after voiceless consonants is not pronounced, that is, this expression is usually pronounced as "Taskete!".

Yamero!/Yamete! (Yamero/Yamete)- "Stop!"

Dame! (Dame)- “No, don’t do that!”

Hayaku! (Hayaku)- "Faster!"

Matte! (Matte)- “Wait!”

Yoshi! (Yoshi)- “So!”, “Come on!”. Usually pronounced as "Yes!".

Ikuzo! (Ikuzo)- “Let’s go!”, “Forward!”

Itai!/Itee! (Itai/Itee)- “Oh!”, “It hurts!”

Atsui! (Atsui)- "It's hot!"

Daijōbu! (Daijoubu)- “Everything is fine”, “Healthy”.

Kampai! (Kanpai)- "To the dregs!" Japanese toast.

Gambatte! (Ganbatte)- “Don’t give up!”, “Hold on!”, “Give your best!”, “Try your best!” The usual parting words at the beginning of difficult work.

Hanase! (Hanase)- “Let go!”

Hentai! (Hentai)- "Pervert!"

Urusai! (Urusai)- "Shut up!"

Uso! (Uso)- "Lie!"

Yokatta! (Yokatta!)- “Thank God!”, “What happiness!”

Yatta! (Yatta)- "Happened!"

If you are a professional copywriter, programmer or web designer, you probably try to work with the whole world. And we have already noticed that using basic phrases in the customer’s native language improves trust and disposition towards you. So let's start with the Japanese greeting.

How to say "Hello" in Japanese?

1. The classic way to greet in Japanese

So, " konnichiwa" is a universal greeting that is suitable for all occasions and for all people, regardless of financial or social status. Analogue of our " Greetings«.

Basic moments:

• When meeting in person, it is obligatory to bow
• Can be used in different time days, for example, like “ Good afternoon»
• How to spell "konnichiwa" hieroglyphs: 今日は
• How to write “konnichiwa” in Hiragana characters: こんにちは
• Pronounced "kon-ni-chi-wa" more often as: "kon-nichi-wa"

2. Greeting by phone

The Japanese, instead of what we are used to, " Hello" They say " moshi moshi" You should also answer “moshi moshi” or “power power.”

Basic moments:

• When meeting in person, DO NOT say “moshi moshi”
• You can use it at any time of the day, but only by phone
• This greeting is written in Hiragana characters like this: もしもし
• Pronounced “mosi mosi” more often as: “mosh mosh”

3. How to say “Good morning” in Japanese

Usually, when meeting in the morning, Japanese people say to each other “ Ohayō" Full expression " Ohayōgozaimasu" You can also say “konnichiwa”, but you must understand that this will be too pompous.

Basic moments:

• In everyday life, the abbreviated version “Ohaiyo” is more often used.
• “Ohayōgozaimasu” is written in Hiragana characters like this: おはようございます
• How to write "Ohayōgozaimasu" in Kanji characters: お早うございます
• "Ohayōgozaimasu" is usually pronounced as: "Ohayo-gozaimasu"

4. How to say “Good evening” in Japanese

In the evening the Japanese say to each other “ Konbanwa" This is a respectful greeting, so it can also be said after dinner.

• How to write "Konbanwa" in Hiragana characters: こんばんは
• How to write "Konbanwa" in Kanji characters: 今晩は
• The correct way to pronounce “Konbanwa” is “kon-ban-wa.”

5. How to say “Good night” in Japanese

Often when saying goodbye after dark, the Japanese say to each other “ Oyasuminasai" This is something like our " Good night " But you need to know that they can use the same expression for greetings at night.

Basic moments:

• When communicating with friends or peers, you can use the abbreviated expression "Oyasumi"
• The correct way to write “Oyasumi” in Hiragana characters is as follows: おやすみ
• The correct way to write the full expression “Oyasuminasai” in Hiragana is: おやすみなさい
• Pronounced "oyasumi-nasai"

6. How to say “Hello!” in Japanese Long time no see!”

To meet an old friend or relative, the Japanese use a separate phrase “ Hisashiburi" The full expression "Ohisashiburidesune" is rarely used.

Basic moments:

• How to write “Hisashiburi” in characters: 久しぶり
• The phrase is read as: “hisashiburi”

7. The shortest greeting in Japanese

Many who have been to Japan may have heard " Yāhō" This short greeting is often used among friends, mainly among girls. The guys shorten it to the phrase “ Yo" This greeting originally appeared in Osaka and spread throughout Japan.

Basic moments:

• This greeting “Yahho” is usually written in katakana as: ヤーホー
• The phrase is read as: “yaahoo”

8. How to say “Hey dude” in Japanese

Guys of the same age in an informal setting often greet each other by saying “ Ossu" What does “hey dude” or “hey dude” literally mean? Hi dude", "healthy", etc.

Basic moments:

• Only guys say that
• “Ossu” is written in Hiragana characters like this: おっす
• It should be pronounced like this: “oss”

9. How to say “How are you?” in Japanese?

In general, there is an expression “Hello, how are you?” or “Hi, how are you?” and it sounds like this: “Ogenkidesuka”. But, if you just want to ask “how are you?” or greeting say "how are you doing" in Japanese?, then the expression “ Saikin dō", it is used more often in everyday life.

Basic moments:

• This is what close acquaintances, friends, colleagues or classmates usually say
• “Saikin dō” is written in Kanji characters like this: 最近どう
• The phrase is pronounced "say-kin-doo"

Bowing in Japan

As I already wrote, bowing is the norm in Japan. Often the greeter begins the first bows. In response, you should bow lower than your interlocutor. Interestingly, if you do not bow lower, this will be regarded as a “limp handshake” among us, i.e. like disrespect. The emperor and his consort also bow, even in front of ordinary people.

I would especially like to note that the Japanese speak English well, but they feel especially happy if you even greet them in Japanese.

We all know the Japanese word 『さようなら』(sayounara), which we use when saying goodbye and parting for an indefinite period. Surprisingly, the Japanese themselves use this word extremely rarely. Moreover, it turns out that this word can even offend your interlocutor! And all because sayounara involves separation for quite some time long term or forever. Self-critical Japanese may misunderstand us, thinking that we have offended them in some way and do not want to meet with them anymore. Although this concerns very sensitive natures, nevertheless, such cases do occur.

But what do the Japanese say when breaking up? In fact, in Japanese There are set expressions that are used as an analogue of sayounara. Each of these phrases is used in specific terms under specific circumstances. So, let's figure out when and what expressions can be used:

1) 行って来ます (itte kimasu)

When you leave home, you should say 行って来ます！Literally, this phrase means “I’m leaving, but I’ll be back.” Usually this phrase is said when crossing the threshold of a house, and in response they receive 行ってらっしゃい (itte rasshai) - “go and come back.”

2) お先に失礼します (osaki ni shitsurei shimasu)

It is known that the Japanese are crazy workaholics who are constantly at work. Imagine you've been working all day and it's time to leave. What should I say to my remaining colleagues? In such a situation, you have no choice but to say お先に失礼します (osaki ni shitsurei shimasu), which means “sorry for leaving first.”

3) お疲れ様でした (otsukaresama deshita)

お疲れ様でした (otsukaresama deshita) is a response phrase to お先に失礼します (osaki ni shitsurei shimasu). This phrase can be translated as “thank you for your hard work.” There is another analogue of this phrase - ご苦労様でした (gokurousama deshita). The meaning of these two phrases is the same, the only difference is that the second phrase is spoken by a person whose position is higher than yours. For example, a boss might say this phrase to his subordinates.

4) じゃあね (jaa ne)

Among our friends, we usually use colloquial speech. And such colloquial phrases are じゃあね (jaa ne) and またね (mata ne). And these phrases can be translated as “see you.”

5) バイバイ (bai bai) from English. bye bye

This way of saying goodbye is borrowed from in English. It must be said that バイバイ (bai bai) is widespread mainly among teenagers, especially girls. Japanese guys think bye bye sounds girly, so you won't hear this phrase much from them.

6) また明日 (mata ashita)

This expression is also colloquial, but it can be used in relation to colleagues, but only very close ones with whom you have been communicating for a long time. So this phrase “see you tomorrow.”

7) 気をつけて (ki wo tsukete)

You can say the expression 気をつけて (ki wo tsukete) to your guest who is already leaving your home, or to a friend who is going on vacation. This phrase translates as “take care of yourself”, “be careful”.

8) 元気で (genki de)

When your friend moves to another city or country, and it is expected that you will not meet with him for a long time, then he should say 元気で (genki de), which means “happy”, “success!”, “take care of yourself.”

9) お大事に (odaiji ni)

When you say goodbye to someone who is sick, you should tell them お大事に (odaiji ni), which translates to “get well soon.”

10) さらばだ (saraba da)

This is a very archaic phrase that comes to us from the Edo period. This phrase was often used by samurai, and now さらばば (saraba da) is used as an analogue of adios! Of course, this expression has a comical connotation, so often only best friends say this phrase to each other.

Probably さよなら [sayonara] is one of the most famous Japanese words, however, the Japanese themselves do not use it very often. There are quite a few ways to say "goodbye" in Japanese, and the choice depends on who you're saying goodbye to and where it's happening.

・さよなら [sayonara]

This word is used when it means that you will not see a person for some time, often for a long time. For this reason, you should be careful when choosing a word for goodbye, so as not to cause misunderstandings with your interlocutor.

・またあした [mata asta]

Using the word また [mata] “again, again,” you can create several options for farewell phrases indicating the time when the next meeting is expected to take place: また明日 [mata asta] - see you tomorrow; また来週 [mata raishu:] - see you next week; また来月 [mata raigetsu] - see you next month, etc.

・じゃあね [ja:ne]

This phrase is used when saying goodbye between friends. There are several options with approximately the same meaning: じゃあまた [ja: mata], またね [mata ne].

If you try to literally translate these phrases, you get the following: じゃ [ja] is a form of では, which essentially means “well, then”; ね [ne] ending, indicating that what was said is also obvious to the interlocutor (); また [mata] - “again, again” in the meaning “see you soon”, similar to また明日 [mata asta].

・お先に失礼します [o-saki-ni shitsurei shimas]

This polite phrase literally translates to “sorry for leaving before you” () and is used to mean “goodbye” in relation to what remains when you leave, for example, from the office.

The short form お先に [o-saki-ni] can be used to refer to colleagues with whom you have friendly relations, but never to your superiors.

The response to such a “goodbye” from those remaining in the room you are leaving will be お疲れ様でした [o-tskare-sama deshta].

It is important to remember that お先に失礼します [o-saki-ni shiturei shimas] is used when you do not plan to return to where you left on that day. If you are leaving, for example, for a meeting, you should use 行って来ます (see below)

・お疲れ様でした [o-tskare-sama desta]

This phrase is used to mean "goodbye" and as a response to お先に失礼します [o-saki-ni shitsurei shimas]. Literally translated as “you are so tired” (or more literally “thank you for your work”).

However, this phrase can be used not to mean “goodbye.” For example, if a colleague told you about completing some task, you can answer him お疲れ様です [o-tskare-sama des].

Similarly, お先に [o-saki-ni] in relation to colleagues with whom you have friendly relations, the shortened form お疲れ様 [o-tskare-sama] can be used.

ご苦労様です [go-kuro:-sama des] is a phrase with a similar meaning that can be used by superiors in relation to subordinates (and never vice versa).

・行って来ます [itte-kimas]

This phrase is used to mean "goodbye" when leaving home, and literally translates to "I'm leaving and will return." The answer to it from those staying at home will be いってらっしゃい [itte-rasshiai], which, in turn, is literally translated as “go away and come back.”

Often these phrases are used when you leave, for example, the office, but plan to return there.

・気をつけて [ki-o tsukete]

And its more polite counterpart 気をつけてください [ki-o tsukete-kudasai] are used to mean “take care of yourself.” Typically used when you are seeing someone off, or when someone is leaving, for example, on vacation.

・お大事に [o-daiji-ni]

This phrase is used when you wish someone well when saying goodbye. The phrase comes from 大事にする [daiji-ni suru] “to appreciate, cherish”, that is, literally translated “take care of yourself.”

・バイバイ [bye-bye]

Borrowed from English (bye-bye), farewell is often used by children and young people. Adults can use it in friendly communication, but be careful as it sounds somewhat childish.

Do you work for a foreign company or do you simply have to frequently communicate with residents of the land of the rising sun?! Then you should know basic conversational phrases in their native language. The most basic thing with which any normal conversation begins is a greeting. In this post I want to tell you how to say “Hello” in Japanese.

How to say hello in Japanese

In general, to begin with, it is worth taking into account the fact that in the Japanese language there are only 9 most popular greetings, not counting everything else. The easiest way to say "Hello" in Japanese is kon'nichiwa. It is pronounced "konichiwa", or "konnichiwa". The easiest way to pronounce the word syllable by syllable is “kon-ni-chi-wa.” This is the simplest and most common greeting, which is suitable in 80% of cases. That is, if you meet a person at any time of the day and don’t know how to greet him, say “konichiwa” - this will easily work instead of “Good morning”, “Good afternoon” or “Good evening”.
And one more thing - do not forget that when meeting in person you must bow.

If you need to say hello in a letter, you can write “Hello” in Japanese as a hieroglyph:

Option 1: “konichiwa” - 今日は Option 2: “konichiwa” in Hiragana: こんにちは

By the way, there is another very cool fragment from the film “Taxi” on this topic.

How to say hello to a friend in Japanese

The second popular way for Japanese people to greet friends is to say “Hello!” in Japanese. Long time no see!". The phrase used for this is "Hisashiburi". It is pronounced "hisashiburi". In writing, this Japanese greeting is written like this: 久しぶり

Note: There is also an older and longer variation of this phrase - "Ohisashiburidesune". But it’s just used much less often and in the most honorable context.

To your closer friends and comrades, you can say “Hey, dude!” in Japanese. There is also such a slang greeting in the land of the rising sun - “Ossu”. Pronounced “oss”. It is used only in informal settings and only between guys. Literally it means “hey dude”, “hi dude”, “healthy”, etc.
You can write “Ossu” in Hiragana characters as follows: おっす

Short greeting in Japanese

In Japan, a very popular way for young people (especially young girls) to say hello to each other is short phrase"Yāhō." This greeting first appeared in Osaka, and only then spread throughout the country.
It reads like “Yahho” (yaahoo!). In Katanaka, you can write “hello” in this version as follows: ヤーホー.
Sometimes the phrase is shortened to "Yo".

But again, keep in mind that this can only be used when talking to a friend. At an official evening or when meeting a distinguished guest, such a “Japanese greeting” will look, to put it mildly, a little strange.

"Hello! How are you?!" in Japanese

The Japanese have a special expression "Ogenkidesuka". It sounds like “ogenki des ka” and literally translates as “are you cheerful?” You can use it to say “Hello, how are you?” in Japanese. It’s also suitable if you want to ask your interlocutor “How are you?!”
But if you really want to take an interest in the affairs of your interlocutor, then the phrase “Saikin dō” is more suitable here. Pronounced "say-kin-doo." This is how you ask in Japanese “How are you?”
You can write it in hieroglyphs like this: 最近どう
This phrase is more popular and occurs more often.