Real Aisatsu：10 Common Japanese Greetings You Must to Know

Greetings (あいさつ, aisatsu) are the foundation of every interaction in Japan. Japanese people are taught from childhood that proper greetings show respect and build relationships. Whether you are visiting Japan, studying the language, or meeting Japanese speakers online, knowing these 10 essential greetings will make an immediate, positive impression. This guide covers the formal and casual forms, the right time to use each one, and common mistakes to avoid.

Yuka

Rei, my teacher mentioned common-japanese-greetings and (‘it’, ‘that’) today. What’s the difference?

Rei

Great question! Both come up a lot in everyday Japanese. The trick is knowing which context calls for which — let me show you!

At a Glance: 10 Essential Japanese Greetings

Morning, Afternoon, Evening: Time-Based Greetings

The first three greetings are tied to time of day. Using the wrong one sounds noticeably odd — like saying “good morning” to someone at 8pm.

A: おはようございます！
Ohayō gozaimasu!
Good morning! (polite — to colleague, teacher, neighbor)

B: おはよう！今日も早いね。
Ohayō! Kyō mo hayai ne.
Morning! You’re early again today, aren’t you.

Spelling note: こんにちは and こんばんは end in は (ha), not わ (wa). This is a common writing mistake even among learners who know the pronunciation. The は here is a historical particle, not the syllable わ.

Yuka

I see… so context really matters with common-japanese-greetings? It’s not just about the literal meaning?

Rei

Right! Japanese often works that way. common-japanese-greetings especially has nuances that go beyond a direct translation — keep that in mind.

Saying Goodbye: さようなら vs じゃあね

さようなら (sayōnara) is the formal goodbye — but be careful. In everyday Japanese, さようなら carries a sense of finality. Japanese people do not use it for casual partings with friends or family; it sounds like you may not see them again for a long time. For daily goodbyes, casual expressions are far more common.

Yuka

Got it. And (‘it’, ‘that’) — is that the opposite, or more like a different usage?

Rei

More of a different usage! (‘it’, ‘that’) carries its own feel. Comparing them together like this is actually the fastest way to master both.

Thank You and Excuse Me: ありがとう and すみません

These two expressions cover a huge range of social situations. すみません (sumimasen) is especially versatile — it works as “excuse me,” a mild apology, and even a way to get someone’s attention.

すみません、これはいくらですか？
Sumimasen, kore wa ikura desu ka?
Excuse me, how much is this?

遅れてごめんなさい。
Okurete gomen nasai.
I’m sorry I’m late.

Paired Home Greetings: いってきます and ただいま

These four expressions are uniquely Japanese — they express the bond between those leaving and those staying in a shared home. They have no direct English equivalents and are deeply embedded in daily Japanese life.

A: いってきます！
Itte kimasu!
I’m heading out!

B: いってらっしゃい。
Itte rasshai.
Take care! (said by the person staying home)

A: ただいま！
Tadaima!
I’m home!

B: おかえり！
Okaeri!
Welcome back!

These paired exchanges happen automatically in Japanese households and are a beautiful example of how greetings express relationships and care.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Quick Quiz — Which Greeting Fits?

Yuka

I think I’ve finally got it! Let’s take the quiz to be sure.

Rei

Perfect confidence check! Let’s go — you’ve got this!

Choose the most natural greeting for each situation.

1. You arrive at work at 8:30am and see your manager.
2. You bump into a stranger at the convenience store and accidentally knock their bag.
3. You leave your apartment in the morning. Your roommate is still home.
4. You say goodbye to a close friend after hanging out together.
5. You return home in the evening.

Answers:

1. おはようございます (Ohayō gozaimasu) — Morning + manager = polite form required.
2. すみません (Sumimasen) — Light apology / excuse me for a minor accidental situation.
3. いってきます (Itte kimasu) — The standard phrase for leaving home when someone is staying behind.
4. じゃあね / またね (Jā ne / Mata ne) — Casual goodbye with a friend. さようなら would feel too final.
5. ただいま (Tadaima) — The natural phrase for announcing you have returned home.

Japanese greetings are not just words — they are expressions of respect, warmth, and relationship. Learning to use them naturally and at the right time will set you apart as a thoughtful Japanese speaker.

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