Unit 2 - Section 1: Greetings
Greetings in Japanese
Greetings are the foundation of any language. Let's learn the most common Japanese greetings for different times of day and situations.
Time-Based Greetings
おはよう（ございます）
[Ohayou (gozaimasu)]
Meaning: Good morning
Use "おはよう" with friends/family, "おはようございます" in formal situations
こんにちは
[Konnichiwa]
Meaning: Hello / Good afternoon
Used from late morning until evening
こんばんは
[Konbanwa]
Meaning: Good evening
Used after sunset
Common Greetings & Farewells
さようなら
sayounara
Meaning: Goodbye (formal/permanent)
じゃあね / またね
jaa ne / mata ne
Meaning: See you later (casual)
行ってきます
ittekimasu
Meaning: I'm leaving (when leaving home)
行ってらっしゃい
itterasshai
Meaning: Have a good day (response to ittekimasu)
ただいま
tadaima
Meaning: I'm home
おかえりなさい
okaerinasai
Meaning: Welcome home
おやすみなさい
oyasuminasai
Meaning: Good night
初めまして
hajimemashite
Meaning: Nice to meet you (first meeting)
Mealtime Expressions
いただきます
[Itadakimasu]
Meaning: "I humbly receive" (said before eating)
A way of showing gratitude for the meal
ごちそうさまでした
[Gochisousama deshita]
Meaning: "Thank you for the meal" (said after eating)
Shows appreciation to the person who prepared the food
Practice Dialogue
Morning at home:
A: おはようございます。
A: Good morning.
B: おはよう。
B: Good morning.
A: 行ってきます。
A: I'm leaving.
B: 行ってらっしゃい。
B: Have a good day.
Cultural Notes
- Bowing: Greetings are often accompanied by bows. The deeper the bow, the more respect is shown.
- Context matters: Japanese has different levels of politeness. Use the polite forms in formal situations.
- Home greetings: いってきます/ただいま are unique to Japanese culture and used specifically when leaving/returning home.
- Mealtime: Always say いただきます and ごちそうさまでした - it's considered polite and respectful.
Course Navigation
Study Tips
- Read each example carefully
- Practice pronunciation aloud
- Create your own sentences to reinforce memory
- Finish the section quiz