もしもし
moshi moshi[mo̞ɕi mo̞ɕi̥]
The English phrase 'hello on the phone' is translated into Japanese as もしもし (moshi moshi).
もしもし is the most common way to say hello when answering the telephone. It can also be used alone to check if the other person is still on the line if the connection is lost or if they have become silent.
How do you pronounce it?
moshi moshi
Did you know?
- In some very formal or old-fashioned contexts, the single word もし might have been used, but the doubled もしもし became the standard for clarity over the wires.
- The phrase もしもし is actually a humble way of saying 'if I may speak'. It originates from the verb 'mōsu', which is a polite, humble form of 'to say'.
- While common on the phone, you should never use もしもし to greet someone in person. Using it during a face-to-face meeting would sound quite strange and out of place.
Examples in context
- もしもし、聞こえますか？Moshi moshi, kikoemasu ka?Hello, can you hear me?
- もしもし、田中さんですか？Moshi moshi, Tanaka-san desu ka?Hello, is this Mr. Tanaka?
- もしもし、ちょっといいですか？Moshi moshi, chotto ii desu ka?Hello, do you have a moment?
Example conversation
Yui calls Hinata to ask a quick question.
- 結衣 Yuiもしもし、陽太くん？Moshi moshi, Hinata-kun?Hello, Hinata?
- 陽太 Yotaあ、結衣ちゃん。どうしたの？A, Yui-chan. Doushita no?Oh, Yui. What's up?
- 結衣 Yui少し相談があるんだけど。Sukoshi soudan ga aru ndakedo.I have something I want to consult you about.
- 陽太 Yotaいいよ、話を聞くね。Ii yo, hanashi o kiku ne.Sure, I'll listen.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry もしもし, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries もしもし, CC BY-SA 4.0.
