Konnichiwa comes from the word “today” in the phrase “How are you today?” For this reason, it isn’t appropriate to use later in the evening, after the sun goes down. You also won’t hear Japanese people say it very often early in the morning.
This greeting is appropriate both when you’re approaching someone and when you’re departing their company (as a form of “goodbye”), but watch the time of day. If it’s approaching afternoon, you should probably use sayonara (sah-yoh-nah-rah) instead.
As you’re taking your leave, you can also use oyasumi nasai (おやすみなさい) to say “goodbye” at night. This phrase is not typically used as a greeting, only when you’re leaving. Pronounce it oh-yah-soo-mee nah-sigh.
This phrase allows you to connect with the person you’re speaking to and is considered respectful, especially if they’re someone who is older than you or in a position of authority. If the other person asks you this question, reply with o kagesama de genki desu, which means “thank you, I’m fine. "
Never use moshi moshi to greet someone in person. You’ll get a strange look from the person you’re greeting.
You will hear this abbreviated version particularly in urban areas, such as in Tokyo, where Japanese is typically spoken much more rapidly.
Ohayō, instead of ohayō gozaimasu, for “good morning” Genki desuka, instead of o genki desu ka, for “how are you” Oyasumi, instead of oyasumi nasai, for “goodnight” (as you’re leaving)
Ossu is rarely used between female friends, or between friends of different genders.
Boys and young men more often say yo (yoh) than yaho.
While the Japanese bow can be compared to a handshake in Western culture, typically, in Western culture, you would say “hello” first, then extend your hand for a handshake. This is a key difference in Japanese body language while greeting.
When you bow, move at the same pace you normally would. Lean forward, and then raise back up moving at approximately the same speed. Think in terms of how quickly you’d shake someone’s hand. Always keep your eyes forward in the direction of your eyes. Try to look to the ground a middle-distance in front of you, or at the feet of the person you’re bowing to.
A single bow is typically sufficient. If you bow, and then the other person bows in response, there’s no need to bow again.
A formal bow of 30 degrees is appropriate if you’re greeting someone who is much older than you or has authority over you, such as a boss or a teacher. There are also even deeper bows, up to 45 degrees, but these would generally be reserved for when you meet someone of extremely high rank in society, such as the prime minister or emperor of Japan.
If this seems odd to you, think about what you would do if you were being introduced to a group of business associates in a more formal business setting. You typically would shake hands with each of them as you were told their names. This custom is no different.
If you’re greeting a friend and they are accompanied by someone you don’t know, return to a full bow when you greet that person. To simply nod to them would be considered disrespectful. When in doubt, follow the lead of the other person, especially if you are visiting in Japan. If they nod to you, then you can assume they won’t consider it rude if you nod back.
