お母さん、こんにちは
The English phrase "hello mother" is translated into Japanese as お母さん、こんにちは.
Which one should you use?
While お母さん (okāsan) is used when speaking to or about your mother in a polite context, the term 母 (haha) is the humble term used when speaking to outsiders about your own mother.
Did you know?
- In historical Japanese dramas, you might hear おふくろ (ofukuro). This term originally referred to the 'chest' or 'inner room' where the mother managed the household.
- Japanese speakers rarely say こんにちは (konnichiwa) to family members inside the home. Instead, they use more casual greetings or simply announce their presence.
- Depending on the region, some people use おかん (okan) in the Kansai area, such as Osaka. This is a more colloquial and earthy way to refer to a mother.
Examples in context
- おはよう、母ちゃんGood morning, mom!
- こんにちは、お母様Hello, mother.
- おはようございます、母上Good morning, respected mother.
- お母さん、お元気ですかMother, how are you?
Example conversation
A son arrives at his mother's house in the afternoon.
- 大翔 Hirotoお母さん、こんにちは。Okāsan, konnichiwa.Hello, mother.
- 結衣 Yuiあら、大翔、いらっしゃい。Ara, Hiroto, irasshai.Oh, Hiroto, welcome.
- 大翔 Hiroto何か買ってきたよ。Nanika katte kita yo.I bought something.
- 結衣 Yuiまあ、ありがとう。Maa, arigatō.Oh, thank you.
