Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Informally
• Method 2 of 2: Official
• Warnings

The phrase “good morning” is a common greeting in Japan and is also considered a respectful way to say hello before 10:00 am to both strangers and friends. There are two ways to say good morning in Japanese: casual, informal, and polite, formal.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Informally

1. 1 Say “ohayo”. Ohayo literally translates to “good morning”. Pronounced as “o-hi-yo”. The name of the American state of Ohio (“Ohio”) is similar in English.
2. 2 Wishing good morning to friends or family in an informal setting, nod your head slightly. If you are from Russia or another country, or if you are not familiar with Japanese bowing etiquette, this movement will look like a casual nod.

Method 2 of 2: Official

1. 1 Say “ohayo gozaimasu”. Sounds like "o-zai-yo go-za-i-mos", where the letter "u" is not pronounced.
2. 2 For formal and polite greetings, or when addressing a superior, follow the phrase “good morning” with a deep bow (30 to 90 degrees to the waist). If you are in Japan, this is the proper way to say good morning in a business situation.

Warnings

• Get in the habit of saying good morning to all the people you interact with while in Japan or who are of Japanese descent. In Japanese culture, it is considered rude not to say hello to someone during a meeting, or to say hello in an unceremonious, lazy manner.