今日は
konnichi wa[kõ̞ɲ̟ːit͡ɕiβ̞a̠]
The English phrase "hello" can be translated into Japanese as 今日は (konnichi wa). Wiktionary also lists 今晩は (konban wa).
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 今日は | konnichi wa | [kõ̞ɲ̟ːit͡ɕiβ̞a̠] (narrow) |
| 今晩は | konban wa | [kõ̞mbã̠ɰ̃β̞a̠] (narrow) |
今日は is a versatile greeting used throughout the day that can be translated as "Hello" or "Good day."
Which one should you use?
While 今日は is a general daytime greeting, 今晩は is used specifically to greet someone in the evening or during the nighttime.
How does it change in a sentence?
In standard Japanese writing, the particle is written with the character は (ha) rather than わ (wa).
How do you pronounce it?
konnichi wa
Did you know?
- Unlike the English 'hello', which is often used on the telephone, Japanese speakers use a completely different word, もしもし, when answering the phone.
- Because 今日は literally means 'As for today', it functions as a shortened version of a full sentence like 'As for today, how are you?'
- In Japan, a greeting is often accompanied by a bow. The depth and duration of the bow change depending on the social status of the person you are greeting.
Examples in context
- 今日は。Hello!This sentence demonstrates the use of 今日は.Tatoeba #778577 by marloncori, translation #373330 by CK
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta meet on a sidewalk in the afternoon.
- 美咲 Misaki健太くん、今日は！Kenta-kun, konnichiwa!Hello, Kenta!
- 健太 Kentaあ、美咲さん、今日は。A, Misaki-san, konnichiwa.Oh, Misaki, hello.
- 美咲 Misakiどこへ行くの？Doko e iku no?Where are you going?
- 健太 Kenta図書館に行くところだよ。Toshokan ni iku tokoro da yo.I'm on my way to the library.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries 今日は, 今晩は, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 今日は, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
