こんにちは、さようなら
konnichiwa, sayōnara
The Japanese phrase for "hello goodbye" is こんにちは、さようなら (konnichiwa, sayōnara).
This phrase combines a common greeting used when arriving with a common farewell used when leaving.
How do you pronounce it?
konnichiwa, sayōnara
Did you know?
- While さようなら is taught to beginners, people leaving their workplace often say お先に失礼します, which translates to 'I am being rude by leaving before you'.
- The greeting こんにちは actually translates literally to 'today is', as it was originally the start of a longer sentence like 'Today is a good day'.
- While さようなら is the textbook way to say 'goodbye', using it with friends or family can actually sound cold and permanent, as if you are parting ways forever.
Examples in context
- こんにちは、さようならを練習しましょう。Konnichiwa, sayounara o renshuu shimashou.Let's practice hello and goodbye.
- 「こんにちは、さようなら」は基本です。“Konnichiwa, sayounara” wa kihon desu.“Hello, goodbye” is basic.
Example conversation
Misaki is teaching Hiroto basic Japanese greetings.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔さん、こんにちは、さようならと言ってみて。Hiroto-san, konnichiwa, sayounara to ittemite.Hiroto, try saying hello and goodbye.
- 大翔 Hirotoこんにちは、さようなら。Konnichiwa, sayounara.Hello, goodbye.
- 美咲 Misaki完璧です！上手ですね。Kanpeki desu! Jouzu desu ne.Perfect! You're good at it.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとうございます、美咲さん。Arigatou gozaimasu, Misaki-san.Thank you, Misaki.
