Greeting someone on the phone is an important part of Japanese phone etiquette. Whether you are making a formal business call or talking to a friend, knowing the appropriate way to say “hi” in Japanese can help create a positive impression. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to say “hi” on the phone, providing tips and examples along the way. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Hi” on the Phone
When it comes to more formal situations, such as business calls or speaking to someone older or of higher status, using polite language is crucial. Here are some common expressions to say “hi” in a formal context:
1. もしもし (Moshi Moshi)
The most common phrase used to say “hello” on the phone in Japanese is “もしもし” (moshi moshi). This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal situations. It is similar to saying “hello” or “hi” in English.
2. おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu)
If you are making a morning call and wish to greet someone with “good morning,” you can use the phrase “おはようございます” (ohayou gozaimasu). This is a formal greeting suitable for professional calls.
3. こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
“こんにちは” (konnichiwa) is a versatile greeting that can be used at any time of the day. It translates to “hello” or “good day” in English. This phrase is neutral and can be used formally or informally depending on the situation.
Informal Ways to Say “Hi” on the Phone
When speaking with friends, family, or colleagues in more casual settings, it is common to use less formal language. Below are some informal ways to say “hi” on the phone in Japanese:
1. もしもし (Moshi Moshi)
Yes, you read it right! The phrase “もしもし” (moshi moshi) is not only used in formal situations but also in informal ones. It is commonly used when answering calls from friends or family members. However, keep in mind that it may sound a bit too casual in certain professional contexts.
2. やあ (Yaa)
“やあ” (yaa) is an informal and friendly way to say “hi” on the phone. It is equivalent to the English informal greeting “hey.” This expression is predominantly used among friends or people you have a close relationship with.
3. おい (Oi)
If you have a very close relationship with the person you are calling, you can use “おい” (oi), which is an even more casual way to say “hi” on the phone. However, be cautious when using this expression as it can be seen as too forward or rude in certain situations.
Tips and Examples
1. Pausing Before Greeting
It’s common in Japanese phone etiquette to wait for the other person to respond before greeting them. It shows respect and indicates that you are attentive. Give a brief pause after connecting before saying “hi.” Here’s an example:
Caller: もしもし (moshi moshi)
Receiver: もしもし (moshi moshi)
Caller: 田中さんですか？ (Tanaka-san desu ka?)
(Are you Mr./Ms. Tanaka?)
2. Adding the Receiver’s Name
When talking to someone you know, it’s polite to address them by their last name followed by “さん” (san). This practice shows respect and friendliness. For instance:
Caller: おはようございます、山田さん (Ohayou gozaimasu, Yamada-san)
(Good morning, Mr./Ms. Yamada)
3. Expressing Excitement or Surprise
If you haven’t spoken to the person in a while or are genuinely happy to hear from them, you can show excitement or surprise in your greeting. Here’s an example:
Caller: もしもし、久しぶり！元気だった？ (Moshi moshi, hisashiburi! Genki datta?)
(Hi, long time no see! How have you been?)
4. Remembering the Time of Day
When making a call, it’s considerate to acknowledge the time of day. Use appropriate greetings such as “おはようございます” (ohayou gozaimasu) in the morning, “こんにちは” (konnichiwa) during the day, or “こんばんは” (konbanwa) in the evening. Here’s an example:
Caller: こんにちは、山本さん (Konnichiwa, Yamamoto-san)
(Hello, Mr./Ms. Yamamoto)
Final Thoughts
Now you have a range of phrases to say “hi” on the phone in Japanese, both formally and informally. Remember to adjust your choice of greeting based on your relationship with the person you are speaking to and the level of formality required for the situation. Japanese phone etiquette places emphasis on respect and politeness, so it’s important to be mindful of the context and choose the appropriate expression accordingly.
