How to Say Hello and What Are You Doing in Japanese?

Welcome to your guide on how to say “hello” and “what are you doing” in Japanese! Whether you want to greet someone in a formal or informal setting, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the various ways to express these phrases in Japanese, including tips, examples, and even regional variations if necessary.

Greeting Someone Formally

In more formal situations, it’s important to use polite expressions to convey respect. Here’s how you can say “hello” and “what are you doing” formally in Japanese:

1. Hello – こんにちは (Konnichiwa)

The most commonly used word for “hello” in Japanese is “Konnichiwa.” It’s appropriate to use this greeting throughout the day, regardless of the time. Use it when meeting someone for the first time or in more formal settings.

Note: While “Konnichiwa” is more of a general greeting, if you know it’s morning, you can also use “Ohayō gozaimasu” which specifically means “good morning.”

2. What are you doing? – お元気ですか？ (O-genki desu ka?)

If you want to ask someone “what are you doing?” respectfully, you can use the phrase “O-genki desu ka?” This translates to “How are you?” or “How are things going?” as a polite way to inquire about someone’s well-being or current activities.

Greeting Someone Informally

When interacting with friends, peers, or family members, a more casual approach is appropriate. Here’s how you can say “hello” and “what are you doing” informally in Japanese:

1. Hello – こんにちは (Konnichiwa)

The word “Konnichiwa” can be used across various contexts, making it perfect for informal greetings too. It works just as well when catching up with friends as it does in formal situations.

Tip: In very casual settings, friends might also use “Yo” as a short and informal way to say “hello” in Japanese.

2. What are you doing? – 何してるの？ (Nani shiteru no?)

When asking “what are you doing?” in an informal manner, you can use the phrase “Nani shiteru no?” The word “Nani” means “what,” while “shiteru” comes from the verb “suru” (to do) in its present continuous form. Adding “no” at the end makes it more casual, similar to adding “you doing?” in English.

Regional Variations

While Japanese has regional dialects, the phrases covered above are universally understood throughout Japan. However, it’s worth noting a few popular regional variations:

• Kansai Dialect: In the Kansai region (which includes cities like Osaka and Kyoto), people often use “Mōkarimakka?” as an informal way to say “What’s up?” or “How’s it going?” instead of “Nani shiteru no?”
• Hokkaido Dialect: In the Hokkaido region, some locals say “なんだあ (Nanda a)” instead of “what” (“nani”) and “しているか (shiteiru ka)” instead of “doing” (“shiteru no”). So, the phrase becomes “なんだあしているか (Nanda a shiteiru ka)”.

Keep in mind that while regional variations can add flavor to your conversations, it’s generally best to stick with the standard phrases mentioned earlier to ensure understanding, regardless of where you are in Japan.

Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you use these greetings naturally:

Tips:

• When greeting someone in Japanese, it’s common to nod or bow slightly as a sign of respect.
• Remember that tone and body language play a crucial role in expressing warmth and friendliness.
• If you’re uncertain about the level of formality, it’s better to err on the side of politeness.
• Listening carefully and showing interest in the other person’s response is greatly appreciated in Japanese culture.

Examples:

• Greeting Formally: You meet your Japanese colleague in the office and say, “Konnichiwa. O-genki desu ka?”
• Greeting Informally: You see your friend in a café, wave, and say, “Konnichiwa! Nani shiteru no?”

Note: Remember to adjust the level of formality and choice of words based on the relationship and context.

Now armed with knowledge of both formal and informal greetings in Japanese, you can confidently approach various situations and strike up conversations effectively. Whether you’re in Tokyo or Osaka, these words will help you connect with people from all walks of life and make your interactions richer and more meaningful.