How to Say “Hello” in Japanese – Konnichiwa, Ohayou, and More
Last updated: May 22, 2026 / This page may contain affiliate links.
If you want to say “hello” in Japanese, the word most learners hear first is:
Konnichiwa (こんにちは)
However, Japanese does not have just one greeting that works exactly like English “hello.” The natural expression depends on the time of day, the situation, and who you are speaking to.
In this article, you’ll learn how to say “hello” in Japanese naturally, including konnichiwa, ohayou gozaimasu, konbanwa, and a few casual greetings.
The Most Common Way to Say “Hello” in Japanese
The most common Japanese expression translated as “hello” is:
Konnichiwa is a polite and safe greeting in many situations. It is especially common during the day.
However, it is not always the best choice in the morning or at night.
Saying “Hello” in the Morning
In the morning, Japanese people usually say:
This is the polite form. You can use it with teachers, coworkers, neighbors, or people you do not know well.
With friends or family, you can use the shorter casual form:
Saying “Hello” in the Evening
In the evening, Japanese people usually say:
Konbanwa is used when meeting someone in the evening or at night. It sounds more natural than konnichiwa after the day has ended.
Is “Konnichiwa” Always Correct?
Not always.
Many beginners learn konnichiwa as “hello,” but in real Japanese, it is mainly used during the day.
- Morning: Ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます)
- Daytime: Konnichiwa (こんにちは)
- Evening: Konbanwa (こんばんは)
If you say konnichiwa late at night, people will understand you, but konbanwa sounds more natural.
Casual Ways to Say Hello in Japanese
In casual conversations, Japanese people may use shorter greetings.
- Yaa (やあ) – Hi / Hey
- Doumo (どうも) – Hello / Thanks / A casual greeting
- Ossu (おっす) – Very casual, often masculine
These expressions are useful to know, but beginners should first learn konnichiwa, ohayou gozaimasu, and konbanwa.
What About “Moshi Moshi”?
Moshi moshi (もしもし) is often translated as “hello,” but it is mainly used on the phone.
You should not usually use moshi moshi when greeting someone face to face.
Example Conversations
Morning
Daytime
Evening
Which Japanese Greeting Should Beginners Learn First?
If you are just starting Japanese, learn these three greetings first:
- Ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます) – Good morning
- Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello / Good afternoon
- Konbanwa (こんばんは) – Good evening
These three expressions cover most basic greeting situations in Japanese.
Related Phrases to Learn Next
- Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello
- Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me / Sorry
- Arigato (ありがとう) – Thank you
- Sayonara (さよなら) – Goodbye