Greetings to use carefully abroad

Japanese greetings by time of day

JNTO's visitor language page lists basic greetings. Use the examples as a small starting set; a specific introduction may need a name, title or other wording.

• Good morning: Ohayo gozaimasu.
• Good afternoon: Konnichiwa.
• Good evening: Konbanwa.
• Excuse me, to get attention: Sumimasen.

Prepare what comes after hello

At a hotel, the next sentence may identify a reservation. At a shop it may ask about a product. At a meeting it may give your name and reason for attending.

Avoid introducing someone by an unfamiliar nickname or assuming a first name is preferred. Use the form of address supplied by the person or organization.

Use a written backup

Translate the full introduction in the chosen language pair. Keep your name and organization in their original spelling so the other person can recognize them.

Practice saying the greeting, but keep the short text version ready. If the reply becomes too long, show ‘I am learning [language]. Could you speak more slowly?’ rather than pretending you understood.

Let the setting guide the greeting

A hotel desk, religious venue and private home may call for different behavior. A translated hello does not establish permission for a handshake, photo or physical contact.

Install Translate Us if you want to prepare the introduction by text or voice. Use official destination guidance and the other person's response to decide what fits the moment.