Tokyo is one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas, home to over 37 million people. While English is more widely spoken in Tokyo than in other parts of Japan, it’s not as common as in many Western cities. You can usually get by in English, especially in areas with tourists or international residents, but learning a few Japanese phrases goes a long way.
Just as Remitly makes it easier to stay connected with loved ones back home, learning a few key phrases can help you feel more connected and confident in Tokyo, and will also give you a deeper experience of Japan’s unique culture.
Achieving fluency in a foreign language can take years, but in this article, we’re going to cover the 10 essential Japanese greetings and phrases that you can use daily in both social and professional situations. In Japan, where manners and politeness are highly valued, learning even basic phrases can help you feel more welcome.
Why learning basic Japanese phrases matters
In general, Japanese people don’t expect foreigners to speak their language. But even a simple phrase like ohayou gozaimasu (good morning) or arigato (thank you) shows respect and helps you make a positive first impression.
Using a few simple Japanese phrases in everyday interactions creates opportunities for genuine engagement. Whether you’re thanking a shopkeeper or greeting coworkers, these small gestures make daily life smoother and show locals that you value Japanese culture.
A greeting can also be a great icebreaker. Even if you can’t carry the conversation any further, being able to say hello in Japanese often encourages locals to open up. And if you need help, like directions or a sushi restaurant recommendation, you’re more likely to get a friendly response if you start with a Japanese greeting.
10 must-know Japanese greetings and phrases
1. Ohayou Gozaimasu (おはようございます)
This means “good morning” and is used in both formal and everyday settings. You can use it to greet coworkers at the office or to say hello to neighbors as you head out in the morning.
A more casual version, ohayō (おはよう), is used with friends and close acquaintances. Unless you know someone well, stick to the polite form with gozaimasu.
Note that the “u” at the end of gozaimasu is not usually pronounced. In practice, it sounds more like gozaimas.
2. Konnichiwa (こんにちは)
Perhaps the most well-known Japanese greeting, konnichiwa means “hello” or “good afternoon”. It works in both professional and casual situations, whether you’re at the office, in a shop, or greeting a neighbor.
Unlike ohayou gozaimasu, which is for morning only, konnichiwa works throughout the day. It’s not often used among close friends, but they’ll understand if you make the occasional language mistake.
A small bow with this greeting adds extra politeness. Take note of how the locals greet each other and take your cues from them.
3. Konbanwa (こんばんは)
To say “good evening”, use konbanwa. This is the standard greeting used after sunset and works in both casual and formal contexts. When you’re arriving at a dinner with friends or passing a neighbor on your way home, this useful phrase shows respect and friendliness.
4. Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)
Arigato translates to “thank you”, but the more polite way to express gratitude is to use the full phrase arigatou gozaimasu. This is the version you should use with people you don’t know well, in shops, or in professional situations. The “u” in gozaimasu is not pronounced, as with “good morning” (ohayou gozaimasu).
Among friends, the shorter arigato is fine. But if in doubt, use the polite form—mastering gozaimasu will help you in many phrases.
5. Sumimasen (すみません)
This versatile phrase means “excuse me” in English and can be used in multiple ways:
- To politely get somebody’s attention, for example, a server in a restaurant
- To apologize for minor inconveniences, for instance, if you are standing in their way in the grocery store aisle
- To thank someone for going out of their way to help you
You’ll hear this a lot on the crowded streets of Tokyo, so learning sumimasen will serve you well.
6. Gomen Nasai (ごめんなさい)
Japanese has several levels of apology. If sumimasen covers small things, gomen nasai is for bigger slip-ups, like being late or making a mistake at work. Spilling a drink or unintentionally interrupting someone’s conversation would also warrant a more sincere apology, and gomen nasai gives you that option.
Among friends, you may hear just gomen. This means the same thing, but the short form isn’t appropriate for use with strangers.
7. Ogenki Desu Ka? (お元気ですか?)
This is the polite equivalent of “how are you?”. Use it when you haven’t seen someone in a while, or in slightly more formal situations, like when you’re greeting a coworker or someone you aren’t that close to.
Among close friends, it’s often shortened to just genki?, which is closer to “how’s it going?”
To respond to this greeting, you can say Hai, genki desu (はい、元気です), meaning “Yes, I’m fine,” or simply Genki desu (元気です), meaning “Yeah, good!”. In casual settings, a relaxed Un, genki! is often enough.
8. Itadakimasu (いただきます)
Said right before eating, this phrase literally translates to “I humbly receive”. It expresses gratitude not only to the cook, but to everyone who contributed to the meal. It’s used widely throughout Japan, in school cafeterias, in restaurants, and at home.
If you’re invited to dinner in Japan, this is definitely something you should memorize. Make it a habit to use this phrase before eating, and it will show good manners and cultural awareness.
9. Gochisousama Deshita (ごちそうさまでした)
Said after finishing a meal, this phrase expresses gratitude for the food and for the shared experience of dining. Use it whether you’re eating at home, at a restaurant, or as a guest in somebody’s house. It’s a key part of Japanese dining etiquette.
10. Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします)
This is one of the most useful and hardest to translate phrases, but it’s incredibly common in introductions and professional settings. It can mean “I look forward to working with you”, or simply a polite closing when asking for a favor.
You can use it when meeting a new coworker, introducing yourself, or asking someone for assistance.
Tips for practicing Japanese phrases
Practice is key when it comes to language learning. You want these phrases to stay in your mind so they come out easily when you need them, and that means regular practice.
Luckily, there are lots of ways you can do that. Language learning apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone can help you build repetition, and YouTube tutorials can help you get your pronunciation just right. You can also join language and exchange groups in Tokyo, where you help people work on their English while they help you with your Japanese. This kind of real interaction helps you to learn the right context for these phrases and use them more like a local would.
Cultural etiquette to pair with greetings
Etiquette is highly valued in Japan, and greetings are closely tied to these cultural expectations. You don’t need to master every detail right away, but a few basics will help you feel more comfortable and show respect.
Bowing is the most common gesture. In everyday situations, a simple nod or light bow is enough. Deeper bows are generally reserved for more formal situations, such as meeting a superior, offering a serious apology, or expressing deep gratitude. Luckily, most people don’t expect visitors to get it exactly right, so doing your best is usually appreciated.
Tone and demeanor also matter. Speaking with a calm, polite voice shows humility and respect, which are highly regarded traits in Japanese culture. When using greetings like arigato (thank you) or ogenki desu ka (how are you?), try to avoid overly casual, shortened versions unless you’re with close friends.
Learn Japanese greetings for a memorable stay
Japanese isn’t easy to learn, and fluency takes time. But picking up a few key phrases is simple and makes daily life smoother while showing respect for the culture.
Whether you’re just on vacation or planning a longer stay in Japan, these phrases can help you connect with locals and enjoy warmer interactions. Practice them before you arrive and keep practicing with locals in real situations; you’ll quickly feel more confident.
If you want to dive deeper into Japanese language and culture, language learning apps or even formal classes can help you develop your skills. But it all starts with a simple konnichiwa, and these greetings are the perfect place to begin.
FAQs
What are the most essential Japanese greetings to learn before moving to Tokyo?
Learn Ohayou Gozaimasu (good morning), Konnichiwa (hello), and polite phrases like Arigatou Gozaimasu (thank you) and Sumimasen (excuse me/sorry). Using these shows locals that you’re making an effort and respecting their culture.
Can learning a few phrases really make a difference in Tokyo?
Absolutely! Even knowing just a few basic Japanese phrases can break the ice and create a positive impression. Small efforts go a long way in showing that you value local customs.
How can I improve my pronunciation?
Use resources like YouTube tutorials, podcasts, and language apps to practice. Listening to native speakers regularly will help you refine your pronunciation and sound more natural.