Introductory Japanese Lessons (8)

Greetings and Daily Expressions

(1) Ohayou gozaimasu. 　おはようございます。　(Good morning.)
One can also say just "Ohayou（おはよう）". This is casual, and should not be used with one's boss. 

 
 
 (2) Konnichiwa. 　こんにちは。　(Hello/Good afternoon.)

(3) Konbanwa. 　こんばんは。　(Good evening.)

(4) Oyasuminasai. 　おやすみなさい。　(Good night.) 
Unlike English, it is mostly used before going to bed.

(5) Sayonara. 　さよなら。　(Good-bye.)

"Sayounara（さようなら)" can be also used instead of "sayonara（さよなら)." People do not say "sayonara（さよなら）" when leaving their own home. "Ittekimasu（いってきます）" is normally used. The response to "Ittekimasu（いってきます）" is "Itterasshai（いってらっしゃい）". "Dewa mata（ではまた）" is also often used as "see you later", similar to the English expression.
 
How about "See you tomorrow"? "Tomorrow" is "ashita（明日）" in Japanese. I think you  can guess what the the answer is: "Mata ashita（また明日）".

I hope you can practice these greetings. I am going to tell you one more phrase, "Mata raishuu（また来週）". This means "See you next week". 

Click here to learn more greetings with sound files.

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