おはようございます
ohayō gozaimasu[o̞ha̠jo̞ː ɡo̞za̠ima̠sɨ̥]
The English phrase "good morning, sir" 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 a polite greeting used specifically in the morning, typically until around 10:00 or 11:00 AM.
Which one should you use?
The phrase おはよう is the informal version of "good morning" used with friends or subordinates, whereas おはようございます is the polite version used with superiors or strangers.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Japanese, the English equivalent of "sir" is often omitted or implied through the use of the polite form おはようございます rather than by adding a specific title.
How do you pronounce it?
ohayō gozaimasu
Did you know?
- In certain industries like entertainment or construction, workers say おはようございます to each other regardless of the actual time of day, even if it is 9:00 PM.
- The phrase is etymologically rooted in the word 'hayai', meaning 'early', rather than a direct concept of 'good'.
- When greeting a much higher-ranking person, it is common to pair おはようございます with a slight bow, as the words alone may feel insufficient without the physical sign of respect.
Examples in context
- おはようございます、店長。Ohayou gozaimasu, tenchou.Good morning, sir (manager).
- おはようございます、お客様。Ohayou gozaimasu, okyakusama.Good morning, sir (customer).
Example conversation
A student greets her teacher in the school hallway.
- 陽葵 Himariおはようございます、先生。Ohayou gozaimasu, sensei.Good morning, sir.
- 大翔 Hirotoおはよう。今日も元気だね。Ohayou. Kyou mo genki da ne.Good morning. You are energetic today, too.
- 陽葵 Himariはい、とても元気です！Hai, totemo genki desu!Yes, I am very energetic!
- 大翔 Hirotoそれは良かった。Sore wa yokatta.That is good to hear.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry おはようございます, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries おはようございます, CC BY-SA 4.0.
