hello
こんにちは
"Konnichiwa" is the standard way to say "hello" or "good afternoon" in Japanese. It is a versatile greeting that functions as a polite way to acknowledge someone you encounter during the day, typically from late morning until sunset. While it is widely used, it is considered a neutral-polite expression. It is perfect for acquaintances, colleagues, or strangers, but you might use more casual greetings like "yā" or "ossu" with close friends, or more specific formal greetings in a business context.
In conversation
Meeting a neighbor
こんにちは、田中さん。
Hello, Tanaka-san.
こんにちは。いい天気ですね。
Hello. It's nice weather, isn't it?
Commonly used when greeting neighbors in passing.
Entering a shop
こんにちは。すみません、これありますか？
Hello. Excuse me, do you have this?
いらっしゃいませ。少々お待ちください。
Welcome. Please wait a moment.
Used by customers to initiate conversation with staff.
Examples
こんにちは。
こんにちは
Hello.
みなさん、こんにちは。
みなさん、こんにちは
Hello, everyone.
通りすがりに「こんにちは」と挨拶する。
とおりすがりに「こんにちは」とあいさつする
I greet them with a 'hello' as I pass by.
