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How to say “hello” in Japanese

Learn how to say "hello" in Japanese: こんにちは (Konnichiwa), with pronunciation, usage notes, examples, and related phrases.

Direct answer

日本語 · Japanese phrasing with romanization and natural tone notes.

safe

こんにちは

Romanization

Konnichiwa

Pronunciation

koh-nnee-chee-wah

When to use it

Use it in everyday conversation. These phrases are broadly useful for travel, messaging, study, and normal social moments. こんにちは is a standard daytime hello in Japanese. In the morning, おはようございます is more natural.

Examples

こんにちは。

Hello.

こんにちは、はじめまして。

Hello, nice to meet you.

Common mistakes

Do not translate "hello" word by word; use the full Japanese phrase as a unit.

Use romanization as a pronunciation hint, not as the normal written form.

Check the tone before using it: this version is marked safe.

FAQ

How do you say "hello" in Japanese?

Say こんにちは. The romanization is Konnichiwa, and the pronunciation is koh-nnee-chee-wah.

Is こんにちは formal or casual?

This version is marked safe. こんにちは is a standard daytime hello in Japanese. In the morning, おはようございます is more natural.

When should I use "hello" in Japanese?

Use it in everyday conversation. These phrases are broadly useful for travel, messaging, study, and normal social moments. こんにちは is a standard daytime hello in Japanese. In the morning, おはようございます is more natural.

Same phrase in other languages

Related Japanese phrase guides