おはようございます
ohayō gozaimasu[o̞ha̠jo̞ː ɡo̞za̠ima̠sɨ̥]
The phrase "good morning to your teacher" in Japanese is 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 to say "good morning". It is intended for use in the morning and is not used as a general "hello" at other times of the day. To address a teacher directly, it is polite to add the title 先生 (sensei) to the greeting, forming おはようございます、先生.
Which one should you use?
The shortened form おはよう is used with friends or subordinates. However, おはようございます is required when addressing a teacher.
How do you pronounce it?
ohayō gozaimasu
Did you know?
- In certain industries like entertainment or restaurants, staff may use おはようございます even if it is late at night. This signals the start of the workday or a shift.
- The word 先生 (sensei) is not only for school teachers but is also the standard title for doctors, lawyers and authors.
- The greeting おはようございます literally translates to 'It is early' rather than 'Good morning'.
Examples in context
- 教室で先生におはようございますと言いました。Kyoushitsu de sensei ni ohayou gozaimasu to iimashita.I said good morning to the teacher in the classroom.
- 「おはようございます」と元気に挨拶しましょう。"Ohayou gozaimasu" to genki ni aisatsu shimashou.Let's greet them energetically with "good morning."
Example conversation
Two students greet their teacher in the hallway.
- 大翔 Hiroto先生、おはようございます！Sensei, ohayou gozaimasu!Good morning, teacher!
- 陽葵 Himariおはようございます。今日は早いのね。Ohayou gozaimasu. Kyou wa hayai no ne.Good morning. You are early today, aren't you?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、勉強してきたので。Hai, benkyou shite kita node.Yes, because I've been studying.
- 陽葵 Himari感心ね。教室に行きましょう。Kanshin ne. Kyoushitsu ni ikimashou.I'm impressed. Let's go to the classroom.
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.
