How to Say Hello in Japanese
Say "konnichiwa" in most settings.This is a fairly all-purpose greeting, and if you only memorize one version of “hello,” this should be it., Answer the phone with "moshi moshi.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Say "konnichiwa" in most settings.This is a fairly all-purpose greeting
You can use this greeting for anyone, regardless of social status.
While there are separate greetings used during most periods of the day, this greeting also doubles as “good afternoon.” The kanji for this greeting is 今日は.
The hiragana is こんにちは.
Pronounce this greeting as kohn-nee-chee-wah. -
Step 2: and if you only memorize one version of “hello
"This is the standard “hello” to use over the phone.
Use this greeting whether you are the caller or the person being called.
Moshi moshi is much more appropriate to use for phone conversations than konnichiwa.
Do not use moshi moshi in person.
The hiragana for this greeting is written as もしもし.
Pronounce moshi moshi as mohsh mohsh. -
Step 3: ” this should be it.
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Step 4: Answer the phone with "moshi moshi.
Detailed Guide
You can use this greeting for anyone, regardless of social status.
While there are separate greetings used during most periods of the day, this greeting also doubles as “good afternoon.” The kanji for this greeting is 今日は.
The hiragana is こんにちは.
Pronounce this greeting as kohn-nee-chee-wah.
"This is the standard “hello” to use over the phone.
Use this greeting whether you are the caller or the person being called.
Moshi moshi is much more appropriate to use for phone conversations than konnichiwa.
Do not use moshi moshi in person.
The hiragana for this greeting is written as もしもし.
Pronounce moshi moshi as mohsh mohsh.
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Heather Wells
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