Welcome to our guide on how to say “good afternoon” in Japanese! In this article, we will cover both the informal and formal ways to greet someone in the afternoon. We’ll also provide you with useful tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations where necessary. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Informal Ways to Say Good Afternoon in Japanese
1. こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
The most common way to say “good afternoon” informally in Japanese is by using the word “こんにちは” (Konnichiwa). This versatile greeting can be used throughout the day and translates to “hello.” It is widely used between friends, family, and acquaintances when meeting in the afternoon.
Examples:
- こんにちは、元気ですか？ (Konnichiwa, genki desu ka?) – Hello, how are you?
- こんにちは、お久しぶりです！ (Konnichiwa, ohisashiburi desu!) – Hello, long time no see!
- こんにちは、明日の予定はありますか？ (Konnichiwa, ashita no yotei wa arimasu ka?) – Hello, do you have any plans for tomorrow?
2. おっす (Ossu)
If you want to add a bit of informality or a touch of excitement to your greeting, you can use “おっす” (Ossu). This is a casual and energetic way to say “hello” or “what’s up” between friends and peers. It’s often used by younger generations.
Examples:
- おっす！今日は何をしてるの？ (Ossu! Kyou wa nani wo shiteru no?) – Hey! What are you up to today?
- おっす、久しぶり！元気だった？ (Ossu, hisashiburi! Genki datta?) – Yo, long time no see! How have you been?
- おっす、テストどうだった？ (Ossu, tesuto dou datta?) – Wassup, how was your test?
Formal Ways to Say Good Afternoon in Japanese
1. おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu)
When it comes to formal settings, it’s customary to use “おはようございます” (Ohayou gozaimasu) to greet someone in the afternoon. Although this phrase is typically used for “good morning,” it can be used until around noon in more formal situations.
Examples:
- おはようございます、お忙しいところ、すみません。 (Ohayou gozaimasu, oisogashii tokoro, sumimasen) – Good afternoon, I apologize for interrupting you while you’re busy.
- おはようございます、本日の会議のアジェンダをお教えください。 (Ohayou gozaimasu, honjitsu no kaigi no aagenda wo oshie kudasai) – Good afternoon, please let me know the agenda for today’s meeting.
2. こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
As mentioned earlier, “こんにちは” (Konnichiwa) can be used both informally and formally. It is generally acceptable to use this greeting in more formal settings after noon as well.
Examples:
- こんにちは、お忙しいところお邪魔してすみません。 (Konnichiwa, oisogashii tokoro ojama shite sumimasen) – Good afternoon, I apologize for interrupting you while you’re busy.
- こんにちは、本日の打ち合わせの件、お話ししたいことがあります。 (Konnichiwa, honjitsu no uchiawase no ken, ohanashi shitai koto ga arimasu) – Good afternoon, I would like to discuss something regarding today’s meeting.
Regional Variations
In Japan, the formal and informal ways of saying “good afternoon” are generally consistent throughout the country. However, there may be slight variations in greetings based on regional dialects or local customs. Here are a couple of examples:
1. ちーっす (Chiissu) – Osaka Dialect (Informal)
In Osaka, a region known for its distinct dialect, some locals use “ちーっす” (Chiissu) instead of “おっす” (Ossu) to greet each other. It carries a similar informal tone.
Example:
ちーっす、今日はどないしてん？ (Chiissu, kyou wa donai shiten?) – Hey, what are you doing today?
2. おはよう (Ohayou) – Kansai Region (Formal)
In the Kansai region, people sometimes use “おはよう” (Ohayou) as a formal greeting throughout the day. This is a slight departure from the standard “おはようございます” (Ohayou gozaimasu) used in other regions.
Example:
おはよう、お忙しいところ、すみません。 (Ohayou, oisogashii tokoro, sumimasen) – Good afternoon, I apologize for interrupting you while you’re busy.
Remember, these variations are not as common as the standard greetings mentioned earlier. However, if you encounter them while conversing with locals from these regions, it’s great to embrace their unique way of speaking.
Conclusion
Now you know the various ways to say “good afternoon” in Japanese, both informally and formally. Whether you’re greeting a friend, a colleague, or someone you’ve just met, remember to use the appropriate formality based on the situation. It’s also interesting to note the regional variations, such as Osaka’s “ちーっす” and Kansai’s “おはよう.” These nuances make the language and culture more vibrant.
Keep practicing and incorporating these greetings into your Japanese conversations, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming more confident in your language skills. Enjoy your journey of learning Japanese, and have a great afternoon!
