こんにちは
konnichiwaeveryday
Hello in hiragana is こんにちは (konnichiwa). The last kana is written は but read "wa". On the phone, people say もしもし (moshi moshi) when they pick up.
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| こんにちは | konnichiwa | everyday |
| もしもし | moshi moshi | phone |
こんにちは is used from late morning until early evening. In the morning say おはようございます (ohayō gozaimasu), and in the evening say こんばんは (konban wa).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
こんにちは works with strangers, shopkeepers and teachers, and is the standard way to greet people politely.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Learners sometimes write こんにちわ. The standard spelling ends with は because it comes from a greeting that once read "today is".
Did you know?
- The kana は is read "ha" in most words, but it is read "wa" when it works as the topic particle and in this greeting.
Examples in context
- こんにちは、はじめまして。Konnichiwa, hajimemashite.Hello, nice to meet you.
- もしもし、たなかです。Moshi moshi, Tanaka desu.Hello, this is Tanaka.
Example conversation
Emi meets her neighbor Mr. Kato in the afternoon.
- Emiこんにちは、かとうさん。Konnichiwa, Katō-san.Hello, Mr. Kato.
- Katoこんにちは、いいてんきですね。Konnichiwa, ii tenki desu ne.Hello, nice weather.
- Emiそうですね。Sō desu ne.Yes, it is.
