Japanese Greetings/Formalities

Ohayo Gozaimasu

Good Morning

Konnichi wa

Hello / Hi / Good Afternoon

Konban wa

Good Evening

Sayonara

Goodbye

Ja, mata

See ya

Oyasumi nasai

Good night

Arigato Gozaimasu

Thank you

Do itashimashite

You’re welcome

Sumimasen

Excuse me / I’m sorry

Gomen nasai

I’m sorry

Itadakimasu

Thank you for the meal (said before eating)

Gonchiso sama deshita

Thank you for the meal (said after eating)

Itte kimasu

I’m leaving now

Itterasshai

Please go and come back (said to someone leaving the house)

Tadaima

I’m home (said upon returning home)

Okaeri nasai

Welcome home

Onegai shimasu

Please (used for requests)

Hajimemashite

Nice to meet you

Yoroshiku onegai shimasu

Please be nice to me

Shitsurei shimasu

Excuse me (used when entering or leaving a formal setting)

Otsukare sama deshita

Thank you for your hard work

Kobe to moushimasu

My name is Kobe