こんばんは、お客様
konbanwa, okyakusama
The English phrase "good evening, sir" is translated into Japanese as こんばんは、お客様 (konbanwa, okyakusama).
This phrase is used by staff in hospitality settings like hotels, restaurants or shops when greeting a customer during the evening hours. The phrase for "Good evening" is こんばんは.
How do you pronounce it?
konbanwa, okyakusama
Did you know?
- The word こんばんは originates from a longer sentence meaning 'It is evening, is it not?' Over time, the phrase was shortened into a standard greeting.
- In Japanese hospitality, the greeting is often accompanied by a specific angle of bowing that is much deeper than a standard social greeting, signaling the transition from a casual encounter to a professional service interaction.
- Japanese has no single word for 'sir' that can be used in all contexts. Depending on the situation, a man might be addressed as お客様 if he is a customer, 先生 if he is a teacher, or 上司 if he is a boss.
Examples in context
- 先生、こんばんは。Good evening, sir.
- こんばんは、お客様。いらっしゃいませ。Konbanwa, okyaku-sama. Irasshaimase.Good evening, sir. Welcome.
- こんばんは、お客様。お食事のご予約ですか？Konbanwa, okyaku-sama. Oshokuji no goyoyaku desu ka?Good evening, sir. Do you have a dinner reservation?
Example conversation
A female staff member greets a male customer entering a restaurant.
- 結衣 Yuiこんばんは、お客様。Konbanwa, okyaku-sama.Good evening, sir.
- 蓮 Renこんばんは。予約していた蓮です。Konbanwa. Yoyaku shite ita Ren desu.Good evening. I am Ren, and I have a reservation.
- 結衣 Yui蓮様ですね。こちらへどうぞ。Ren-sama desu ne. Kochira e douzo.Mr. Ren, right? Please, come this way.
- 蓮 Renありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
