おはようございます
ohayō gozaimasu[o̞ha̠jo̞ː ɡo̞za̠ima̠sɨ̥]
The English phrase "good morning formally" is translated into Japanese as おはようございます (ohayō gozaimasu).
おはようございます is used in professional settings, such as when greeting a boss, a teacher or a customer.
Which one should you use?
The casual version of this greeting is おはよう, whereas おはようございます is the formal version.
Did you know?
- In many Japanese workplaces, staff may use おはようございます regardless of the actual time, even if it is late in the afternoon or evening.
- In Japanese, the phrase おはようございます does not contain a word for 'morning'. The concept of 'morning' is implied by the adjective meaning 'early'.
- In very casual settings, youth may shorten おはよう even further to just おはー (ohā). This slang version is completely inappropriate in the formal contexts where おはようございます is required.
Examples in context
- おはようございます。Ohayou gozaimasu.Good morning.
- 先生、おはようございます。Sensei, ohayou gozaimasu.Good morning, teacher.
- 皆様、おはようございます。Minasama, ohayou gozaimasu.Good morning, everyone.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui meet at the office entrance in the morning.
- 蓮 Ren結衣さん、おはようございます。Yui-san, ohayou gozaimasu.Good morning, Yui.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さん、おはようございます。Ren-san, ohayou gozaimasu.Good morning, Ren.
- 蓮 Ren今日はとても寒いですね。Kyou wa totemo samui desu ne.It is very cold today, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、本当にそうですね。Hai, hontou ni sou desu ne.Yes, it really is.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry おはようございます, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
