Aisatsu: Correct Japanese greetings according to the occasion

Greeting in Japan is not just a matter of courtesy: it is a manifestation of respect, hierarchy, and social connection. In this article, we explore Japanese greetings—or aisatsu— suitable for each moment of the day and situation, the gestures that accompany them, and the mistakes that should be avoided so that your greeting sounds authentic and natural.

The word aisatsu (挨拶 / あいさつ) literally means “greeting” or “greeting”, but its meaning in Japanese culture goes far beyond a simple “hello”. It is a social ritual that marks recognition of the other, group harmony ( Wa), and respect. From a very young age, the Japanese learn to greet teachers, classmates or neighbors with a certain formality, something deeply rooted in education and daily coexistence.

Aisatsu not only reflects the language we use, but also the attitude, tone, moment, and interpersonal relationship. A greeting that is too informal in the work context can be perceived as impolite, and an excessively formal greeting with friends can feel distant.

Here are some more formal Japanese greeting expressions:

• おはようございます (Ohayō gozaimasu) — “good morning” in formal register. It is used until approximately 10 or 11 in the morning.

• こんにちは (Konnichiwa) — standard greeting for “hello/good afternoon”. Although widely used, its register is formal-medium.
• こんばんは (Konbanwa) — “good night” when it is already evening.

• はじめまして (Hajimemashite) — “Nice to meet you,” expressed when meeting someone for the first time.

• よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) — expression used at the end of introductions, suggesting “count on me / let’s treat our relationship well”.

These expressions form the basis of the Japanese greeting in contexts where there is not much trust or in formal settings.

With people close to you, more relaxed or colloquial variants are used:

• おはよう (Ohayō) — casual version of “good morning”.

• Expressions such as やあ / よう (Yā / Yō) — “hello” in youthful or informal settings.

• 元気? (Genki?) — “How are you?” among friends.

• Informal farewells such as じゃあね / またね (Jā ne / Mata ne) — “see you / see you later”.

These shapes give flexibility to sound natural among people you trust.

The expressions play with the schedule:

The greeting いらっしゃいませ (Irasshaimase) is also taught to receive customers in shops or restaurants, where the customer does not need to respond verbally but with a slight gesture or bow.

A Japanese greeting is not only about words: the gesture accompanies a lot.

The act of bowing—ojigi (お辞儀)*—is critical. Depending on the degree, the level of respect is interpreted.

• Eshaku (会釈): slight inclination (~15°). For casual greetings or between people of similar level.

• Keirei (敬礼): moderate inclination (~30°). For more formal situations, work meetings.

• Saikeirei (最敬礼): deep inclination (more than 45°). For very solemn moments, formal apologies or tributes.

The body should be straight, the gaze slightly lowered, hands at the sides (in men) or just in front (in women). An inclination that is too superficial in a formal context can be perceived as carelessness, and one that is too marked in informal situations can be uncomfortable.

Likewise, the form of the spoken greeting, the tone of voice, the speed, the pause before or during the bow, all influence the impression.

In the domestic sphere there are exclusive greetings:

• 行ってきます (Ittekimasu) — “I’m going / I’m going and I’ll be back”. Tell him when he leaves.

• 行ってらっしゃい (Itterasshai) — “go away and come back safely,” says those who stay.

• ただいま (Tadaima) — “I’m already home / I’m back.”

• おかえり (Okaeri) or おかえりなさい (Okaerinasai) — “welcome back”.

• When entering the house of others: おじゃまします (Ojamashimasu) — “sorry to disturb / enter”.

These expressions reflect the sense of belonging and courtesy in the domestic sphere.

When you walk into a store in Japan, you’ll almost certainly hear いらっしゃいませ (Irasshaimase) — “welcome.” You don’t need to respond verbally; a slight inclination is enough.
When you leave the venue, you will sometimes hear phrases such as ありがとうございました (Arigatō gozaimashita), “thank you for your visit”.

At the beginning or formal closing of events there is usually an aisatsu speech) where phrases such as 皆様 (minasama), おめでとうございます (omedetō gozaimasu) (“congratulations”) or other extended politeness formulas are used. It is common to introduce yourself with the name and add どうぞよろしくお願いします at the end.

Here are some common failures:

• Using こんにちは too early—better to say おはようございます in the morning.

• Not bowing in formal situations—can be interpreted as a lack of education.

• Employing informal greetings with older people, superiors, or strangers may seem disrespectful.

• Mix levels: combine an informal phrase with a formal honorific or vice versa.

• Abruptly changing from an informal greeting to a formal one for no reason—this can be out of tune.

• Do not respect silences or pauses when greeting, or talking while bowing (better to bow first, then speak).

A key tip: observe and listen to how natives greet each other—in stores, offices, media, or social situations—and practice those variations along with gestures.

If you found this tour of the ways to greet in Japanese fascinating, we invite you to dive into our blog:

• Japanese Alphabet Explained: Types and How to Master Them Quickly.
• How to pass the JLPT N5 without dying trying.