もしもし
moshi moshiphone, standard
On the phone, "hello" in Japanese is もしもし (moshi moshi). It is used only on calls, so you would not say it to someone you meet in person. It is also called はい、田中です (hai, Tanaka desu) and お世話になっております (osewa ni natte orimasu).
Meaning: answering or starting a phone call (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| もしもし | moshi moshi | phone, standard |
| はい、田中です | hai, Tanaka desu | answering, polite |
| お世話になっております | osewa ni natte orimasu | business, formal |
When answering at home, people often say はい、田中です (hai, Tanaka desu), "yes, this is Tanaka". Callers may then say もしもし (moshi moshi) to check the line.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In business, people begin with お世話になっております (osewa ni natte orimasu), a set phrase that thanks the other side for past support. Business phones are often answered with the company name instead of もしもし (moshi moshi).
How do you pronounce it?
Say it as "moh-shee moh-shee", with an equal beat on each part.
Did you know?
- The phone word もしもし (moshi moshi) is thought to come from 申す (mousu), "to say".
Examples in context
- もしもし、田中です。Moshi moshi, Tanaka desu.Hello, this is Tanaka.
- お世話になっております。Osewa ni natte orimasu.Thank you for your continued support.
- もしもし、聞こえますか。Moshi moshi, kikoemasu ka.Hello, can you hear me?
Example conversation
Nanami calls her friend Aoi.
- Aoiもしもし。Moshi moshi.Hello.
- Nanamiもしもし、アオイ?ナナミだよ。Moshi moshi, Aoi? Nanami da yo.Hello, Aoi? It is Nanami.
- Aoiああ、久しぶり!Aa, hisashiburi!Oh, long time no see!
