返事の挨拶
henji no aisatsu
返事の挨拶 (henji no aisatsu) is the Japanese phrase for "hello back".
This phrase refers to a greeting used to respond to someone who has just said hello.
How do you pronounce it?
henji no aisatsu
Did you know?
- In some professional settings, the most polite way to say 'hello back' is to use お疲れ様です, which literally means 'you are tired' but functions as a standard greeting.
- When responding to a greeting, Japanese speakers may avoid direct eye contact, as staring too intently while saying 'hello back' can be perceived as aggressive.
- The term 挨拶 does not just mean 'greeting' but can also refer to a formal speech given at a wedding or a funeral.
Example conversation
Yota and Himari meet each other in the hallway.
- 陽太 Yotaおはよう、陽葵！ohayou, Himari!Good morning, Himari!
- 陽葵 Himariおはよう、陽太！ohayou, Yota!Good morning, Yota!
- 陽太 Yotaちゃんと返事の挨拶ができたね。chanto henji no aisatsu ga dekita ne.You gave a proper greeting back.
- 陽葵 Himariふふっ、当たり前でしょ。fufu, atarimae desho.Hehe, of course I did.
