Japanese Greetings & Etiquette for Tourists
挨拶とマナー
Essential Japanese greetings and cultural etiquette for tourists. Learn common phrases, bowing customs, and cultural do's and don'ts.
Understanding basic Japanese greetings and etiquette will greatly enhance your experience in Japan. The Japanese appreciate when visitors make an effort to follow local customs. Learning key particles and polite forms will help you navigate social situations with confidence.
Basic Greetings(基本の挨拶)
The most important greetings to know:
| Japanese | Reading | Romaji | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| おはようございます | おはようございます | ohayou gozaimasu | Good morning (until ~10am) |
| こんにちは | こんにちは | konnichiwa | Hello/Good afternoon |
| こんばんは | こんばんは | konbanwa | Good evening |
| おやすみなさい | おやすみなさい | oyasuminasai | Good night (before sleeping) |
| さようなら | さようなら | sayounara | Goodbye (formal/final) |
| じゃあね | じゃあね | jaa ne | Bye (casual, to friends) |
Saying さようなら implies you might not see the person again. For casual goodbyes, use じゃあね or また (mata - see you).
Essential Polite Phrases(大切なフレーズ)
Three phrases that will serve you everywhere:
| Japanese | Reading | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| ありがとうございます | ありがとうございます | arigatou gozaimasu | Thank you (polite) |
| すみません | すみません | sumimasen | Excuse me / I'm sorry / Thank you |
| お願いします | おねがいします | onegaishimasu | Please (when requesting) |
Bowing Etiquette(お辞儀のマナー)
Bowing is an important part of Japanese culture:
- Slight nod (15°) - Casual greeting, passing someone
- Standard bow (30°) - Normal greeting, entering shops
- Deep bow (45°+) - Showing deep respect or apology
As a tourist, a slight nod or small bow is usually sufficient and appreciated.
Don't bow while walking—stop, bow, then continue. It's fine to bow back when someone bows to you.
Apologizing(謝る)
Ways to say sorry:
| Japanese | Reading | Romaji | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| すみません | すみません | sumimasen | Standard - excuse me/sorry |
| ごめんなさい | ごめんなさい | gomen nasai | I'm sorry (more personal) |
| 申し訳ございません | もうしわけございません | moushiwake gozaimasen | Very formal apology |
Cultural Do's and Don'ts(マナーの注意点)
Important cultural etiquette:
DO:
- Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional places
- Wait in line quietly and orderly
- Speak quietly on trains and in public
- Bow slightly when thanking or greeting
- Say いただきます before eating, ごちそうさま after
DON'T:
- Talk on your phone on trains
- Eat while walking (except at festivals)
- Tip at restaurants or hotels
- Stick chopsticks upright in rice
- Point with your finger (use your whole hand)
Meeting People(人に会う時)
Useful phrases when meeting someone:
| Japanese | Reading | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| はじめまして | はじめまして | hajimemashite | Nice to meet you (first time) |
| よろしくお願いします | よろしくおねがいします | yoroshiku onegaishimasu | Please treat me well / Nice to meet you |
| どうぞよろしく | どうぞよろしく | douzo yoroshiku | Pleased to meet you (casual) |
| 〜と申します | 〜ともうします | ~ to moushimasu | My name is ~ (formal) |
| 〜です | 〜です | ~ desu | I am ~ (standard) |
Leaving and Thanking(帰る時・お礼)
When leaving or thanking someone:
| Japanese | Reading | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| お世話になりました | おせわになりました | osewa ni narimashita | Thank you for everything |
| ありがとうございました | ありがとうございました | arigatou gozaimashita | Thank you (past) |
| お邪魔しました | おじゃましました | ojama shimashita | Sorry for the intrusion (leaving someone's home) |
| また会いましょう | またあいましょう | mata aimashou | Let's meet again |
| 気をつけて | きをつけて | ki wo tsukete | Take care |
✓Summary
Key greetings to remember:
- ありがとうございます - Thank you
- すみません - Excuse me / Sorry
- お願いします - Please
- はじめまして - Nice to meet you