24 Stylish Japanese Greetings: Ways to Say Hello

Japanese greetings are more than just words—they’re a beautiful way to connect with people and show respect or friendliness. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or catching up with an old friend, there’s a perfect greeting for every occasion.

From casual hellos to formal salutations, Japanese offers a rich variety of expressions that can make your conversations feel warm and genuine. Learning these greetings opens the door to deeper cultural understanding and more meaningful interactions.

Curious about how to say hello stylishly in Japanese? You’re in the right place! We’ll explore 24 different ways to greet people, each with its own vibe and context.

Picking up these phrases will boost your confidence when speaking Japanese and help you sound more natural. Plus, it’s a fun way to impress friends or colleagues with your cultural knowledge.

Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up on your skills, these greetings are easy to learn and use. They’ll come in handy during travels, language exchanges, or casual chats online.

Ready to add some flair to your Japanese hellos? Let’s dive into the world of stylish Japanese greetings and find your new favorite way to say hi!

Understanding the Basics of Japanese Greetings

Before diving into the list, it’s good to know how greetings work in Japanese culture.

Japanese greetings often reflect the time of day, level of formality, and relationship between speakers. Using the right greeting shows respect and understanding of social cues.

Many greetings also come with specific bowing styles or gestures that complement the words.

If you want to start strong, consider picking up a beginner phrasebook to get a cohesive understanding of common expressions.

Getting familiar with these basics will make it easier to remember and use greetings naturally.

Even practicing a simple “hello” a few times a day can build your confidence quickly.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello / Good Afternoon

“Konnichiwa” is the most common way to say hello during the day.

It literally means “today” (今日, konnichi) and “is” or “wa” as a topic marker, so it’s like saying “As for today…” but is used as a greeting.

This phrase is easy to learn and works well in most casual and semi-formal situations.

Saying “konnichiwa” can instantly make your greeting sound polite yet friendly.

A related phrase is “ohayou” (おはよう, good morning), which you’ll hear earlier in the day.

Try using “konnichiwa” when you meet someone after lunch or in the afternoon to sound natural.

2. おはよう (Ohayou) – Good Morning

“Ohayou” means good morning and is used among friends and family.

This casual form is easy to remember and commonly used before noon. For more formality, you add “gozaimasu” (ございます) to make “ohayou gozaimasu.”

Using the casual “ohayou” shows closeness and warmth.

Be careful not to use the casual form in professional or formal settings without “gozaimasu.”

For example, you might say to a friend, “Ohayou! Genki?” (Good morning! How are you?).

Start practicing “ohayou” with friends or family to get comfortable with morning greetings.

3. やあ (Yā) – Hey! / Hi!

“Yā” is a very casual, friendly way to say “hey” or “hi.”

It’s perfect among close friends and younger people and conveys a relaxed vibe.

Because it’s so casual, it’s best reserved for informal settings.

Using “yā” can instantly make your greeting feel natural and effortless.

It’s similar to English “hey,” so you can think of it as a quick, informal hello.

Try this when you want to sound like a native speaker hanging out with pals.

4. よう (Yō) – Yo! / Hey!

“Yō” is another casual greeting similar to “yā,” often used by young people.

It’s short, snappy, and perfect for informal situations.

It’s easy to remember and sounds cool when you want to greet friends quickly.

Don’t use this in formal or unfamiliar settings.

For example, “Yō, genki?” means “Hey, how are you?” in a casual conversation.

Practice it with friends or in casual chat to sound friendly and approachable.

5. もしもし (Moshi moshi) – Hello (on the Phone)

“Moshi moshi” is the classic way to say hello on the phone.

It literally means “if, if,” and is used to confirm you’re connected before starting a call.

This phrase is unique to phone conversations and instantly recognizable.

Don’t use “moshi moshi” face-to-face; it’s phone-only.

For example, when you call a friend, start with “moshi moshi” before chatting.

Practice this to sound natural during phone calls in Japanese.

6. 久しぶり (Hisashiburi) – Long Time No See

“Hisashiburi” means “long time no see” and is great when reconnecting.

It’s casual and expresses happiness at seeing someone after a while.

Easy to remember: “hisashiburi” can brighten reunions.

Use it with friends, family, or close colleagues.

Example: “Hisashiburi! Genki datta?” (“Long time no see! How have you been?”)

Try this phrase to deepen bonds when you meet people you haven’t seen recently.

7. 元気？ (Genki?) – How Are You?

“Genki?” literally means “Are you well?” and is a casual way to ask “How are you?”

It’s commonly used after greetings to check in on someone.

Short and sweet, it’s easy to add to any hello.

Don’t overuse it in formal settings without polite endings.

Example: “Konnichiwa! Genki?” (“Hello! How are you?”)

Adding “genki?” shows you care and keeps conversations friendly.

8. おっす (Ossu) – Yo! / Hey! (Male Casual)

“Ossu” is a casual greeting mostly used by men, especially in sports or martial arts.

It’s short, energetic, and carries a sense of camaraderie.

It’s best used among male friends or teammates.

Avoid this in formal or mixed-gender situations.

Example: “Ossu! Ready for practice?”

Use “ossu” to sound natural in casual, masculine settings.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good Morning (Formal)

“Ohayou gozaimasu” is the formal version of good morning.

Adding “gozaimasu” makes the phrase respectful and appropriate for work or formal situations.

This greeting shows politeness and professionalism.

Don’t shorten it to “ohayou” in formal contexts.

Example: Greeting your boss with “Ohayou gozaimasu” is always a safe choice.

Practice this to make a great impression in professional environments.

10. こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello / Good Afternoon (Polite)

“Konnichiwa” is also polite enough for formal use.

Its simplicity and neutrality make it versatile across many situations.

Perfect for first-time meetings or customer service.

Avoid using overly casual greetings here to maintain respect.

Example: Starting a meeting with “Konnichiwa” sets a polite tone.

Use this phrase often to sound polite without being stiff.

11. こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good Evening

“Konbanwa” means good evening and is polite for after sunset greetings.

It’s easy to remember and appropriate for formal or casual settings.

Use it when meeting someone in the evening.

Don’t confuse it with “konnichiwa,” which is for daytime.

Example: “Konbanwa, ogenki desu ka?” (“Good evening, how are you?”)

Try using “konbanwa” to greet people respectfully later in the day.

12. はじめまして (Hajimemashite) – Nice to Meet You

“Hajimemashite” is used when meeting someone for the first time.

It literally means “for the first time” and is part of polite self-introductions.

Essential for formal or business introductions.

Don’t skip it when meeting new people in Japan.

Example: “Hajimemashite, Tanaka desu” (“Nice to meet you, I’m Tanaka”).

Practice this phrase to start conversations on the right foot.

13. お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu) – Thank You for Your Hard Work

“Otsukaresama desu” is a polite greeting used to acknowledge effort.

It’s often said when arriving at or leaving work or after a task.

It shows respect for someone’s hard work.

Avoid overusing it outside work or formal groups.

Example: Greeting colleagues at the end of the day with “Otsukaresama desu.”

Using this phrase builds camaraderie and politeness in professional settings.

14. お元気ですか？ (Ogenki desu ka?) – How Are You? (Polite)

“Ogenki desu ka?” is a polite way to ask “How are you?”

Adding “o” before “genki” makes it respectful.

Perfect for formal or less familiar relationships.

Don’t drop the “desu ka” in polite conversations.

Example: “Konnichiwa, ogenki desu ka?” (“Hello, how are you?”)

Use this phrase to show care politely and genuinely.

15. 失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu) – Excuse Me / Hello (Entering a Room)

“Shitsurei shimasu” means “excuse me” and is often used when entering or leaving a room.

It’s very polite and shows respect for others’ space.

It can also be a greeting when arriving at work or meetings.

Don’t use it casually; reserve it for formal contexts.

Example: Saying “Shitsurei shimasu” before entering a conference room.

Mastering this phrase helps you navigate formal Japanese settings smoothly.

16. ご無沙汰しています (Gobusatashiteimasu) – It’s Been a While (Formal)

“Gobusatashiteimasu” is a formal way to say “long time no see.”

It literally means “I have been neglecting to contact you.”

Use it in letters, emails, or formal face-to-face reunions.

Avoid using this casually; it’s quite formal and humble.

Example: “Gobusatashiteimasu. Ogenki deshita ka?” (“It’s been a while. How have you been?”)

Use this phrase to reconnect respectfully with acquaintances or colleagues.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. どうも (Dōmo) – Hey / Thanks

“Dōmo” is a versatile, casual greeting that can mean “hi” or “thanks.”

Its simplicity makes it great for quick hellos among friends.

It’s easy to remember and sounds very natural.

Don’t use it alone in formal settings.

Example: Greeting a friend with a quick “Dōmo!”

Incorporate “dōmo” for a relaxed, friendly vibe.

18. よっ (Yo) – Yo! / Hey!

“Yo” is an even shorter casual greeting, popular among younger generations.

It’s energetic and informal, perfect for close friends.

Easy to say and remember, it adds a cool factor.

Avoid using “yo” in polite or formal contexts.

Example: “Yo! Genki?” (“Hey! How are you?”)

Use this when you want to sound like a native speaker hanging out with pals.

19. ちわっす (Chiwassu) – Casual Hello (Male)

“Chiwassu” is a slang version of “ohayou gozaimasu” or “ossu.”

It’s casual, playful, and mostly used by men.

It’s easy to remember and fun to say.

Not suitable for formal or mixed groups.

Example: Greeting a friend with “Chiwassu!” before starting an activity.

Use this to sound casual and friendly in informal male circles.

20. おっはー (Ohhā) – Morning! (Very Casual)

“Ohhā” is a playful, very casual morning greeting.

It’s a fun way to say “ohayou” among close friends.

Easy to remember and friendly sounding.

Don’t use it in formal contexts.

Example: “Ohhā! Ready for today?”

Try this to add energy and friendliness to your morning hellos.

21. おっす！元気？ (Ossu! Genki?) – Hey! How Are You?

This combo is a classic casual male greeting.

It’s energetic, friendly, and easy to say.

Great for informal check-ins with friends.

Avoid using it with strangers or in formal settings.

Example: “Ossu! Genki?” as a quick friendly “Hey, how are you?”

Use it for a natural, native-like feel in casual chats.

22. どうもどうも (Dōmo dōmo) – Hi There!

Repeating “dōmo” adds enthusiasm to a casual hello.

It’s friendly, warm, and easy to remember.

Perfect for informal, happy reunions.

Not used in formal conversations.

Example: “Dōmo dōmo! Long time no see!”

Try this to sound cheerful and excited when greeting friends.

23. まいど (Maido) – Thanks / Hello (Osaka Dialect)

“Maido” is a casual greeting from the Kansai region, often meaning thanks or hello.

It’s warm and friendly, reflecting Osaka’s famous hospitality.

Great to use if you want to sound like a native from that area.

Not typically used outside Kansai.

Example: Shopkeepers saying “Maido!” to customers.

Explore regional greetings like “maido” to add local flavor to your Japanese.

24. ちょっと (Chotto) – Hey / Excuse Me (Casual Attention Getter)

“Chotto” literally means “a little,” but is often used to get someone’s attention casually.

It’s a friendly way to say “hey” or “excuse me” before starting a conversation.

Simple and easy to use in informal contexts.

Don’t use it aggressively or in formal situations.

Example: “Chotto, sumimasen.” (“Hey, excuse me.”)

Practice “chotto” to politely get attention in casual chats.

Concluding Thought

Exploring these 24 stylish Japanese greetings shows how rich and varied the language is when it comes to saying hello.

From casual chats with friends to formal business meetings, choosing the right greeting can make all the difference in your communication.

Keep practicing these phrases, and soon you’ll greet with confidence, warmth, and a touch of Japanese flair wherever you go!