7 Ways to Say Good Morning in Japanese, Plus Related Phrases

Do you enjoy the mornings? Share your positive energy by greeting your friends and coworkers with a good morning in Japanese. In the following guide, you'll find seven distinct ways to say "good morning" in Japanese, ranging from formal expressions to very casual ones.

You will also learn some advice on selecting the correct level of formality for any context, along with body language and gestures commonly used during greetings.

Formal “Good Morning” in Japanese

おはようございます (Ohayo gozaimasu)

This is the most standard and courteous way to wish someone a good morning in Japanese. It is essentially the classic, formal greeting for the morning.

Because this phrase is quite polite, it is best used when addressing someone you are not very familiar with or someone who is older or of a higher social status than you.

おはようございます、お世話になっております (Ohayo gozaimasu, osewa ni natte orimasu)

This respectful greeting pairs the formal "ohayo gozaimasu" (おはようございます) with "osewa ni natte orimasu" (お世話になっております), a phrase used to show appreciation for someone's help or patronage.

You will often hear this expression in business and professional environments in Japan, particularly during meetings.

今朝はいかがでしょうか？ (Kesa wa ikaga desu ka?)

You can follow up your greeting by asking someone how they are with this phrase. It's a respectful, yet not overly formal, way to inquire about their morning.

元気ですか？ (Genki desu ka?)

This is a versatile greeting suitable for any time of day. Its literal meaning is "are you well?" and it is used to ask about someone's condition. This phrase works in both formal and informal settings.

Informal “Good Morning” in Japanese

おはよう (Ohayo)

By omitting the formal "ございます" (gozaimasu), you create this casual way to say good morning to someone you have a close relationship with.

While this phrase is most appropriate for close friends, it is also acceptable to use with someone of the same social standing, like a coworker, even if you don't know them very well.

はよ (Hayo)

This charming and abbreviated form of "おはよ" (ohayo) is a very casual way to say good morning. It is typically used between close friends and family members and can sometimes be used in a lighthearted or joking manner.

朝だよ (Asa da yo)

This phrase literally translates to "It's morning" and is a fun, informal way to greet someone in the morning.

Body Language and Gestures in Japanese Greetings

Greetings in Japanese often involve specific physical cues. Here is what you should know about them:

• Eye contact: While Japanese people do make eye contact, it is generally less frequent and intense than in Western societies. In Japanese culture, prolonged eye contact can be perceived as confrontational or impolite, particularly when speaking with someone older or in a senior position. Typically, it is better to avoid direct eye contact with such individuals and instead focus on their forehead or chin. When greeting a peer or family member, some eye contact is more acceptable, but it's still best not to hold it for an extended period.
• Posture: Maintaining a straight and upright posture is important when greeting someone in Japanese. This demonstrates both confidence and respect. Keep your shoulders relaxed, your hands at your sides, and avoid slouching or nervous movements.
• Bowing: Bowing is a formal gesture used for greetings in Japanese culture. The depth of the bow depends on the formality of the situation; a deeper bow is expected in a formal setting like a business meeting. Bowing is usually not necessary among friends, as it would be considered overly formal.
• Waving: Waving is a more relaxed greeting suitable for friends, family, and people you know. It is not as formal as a bow but remains a polite way to say hello.

You can observe native Japanese speakers using these words and phrases naturally on Lingflix. Lingflix uses real-world videos—such as music videos, movie trailers, news, and inspiring talks—and transforms them into personalized language learning lessons. You can try Lingflix for free for 2 weeks. Visit the website or download the iOS app or Android app. P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

More Japanese Morning Vocabulary

After exchanging morning greetings, you can continue the conversation using these morning-related vocabulary words:

*Natto is a common Japanese breakfast dish made of fermented soybeans and eaten with steamed rice.

Phrases for Before “Good Morning”

If you are sharing a living space with someone in Japan, you might need to say a few things before you even get to the "good morning."

Phrases for After “Good Morning”

When someone wishes you a good morning, you can return the greeting. The conversation might then continue with any of the following phrases.

Phrases for Having Breakfast

If you are a guest in a Japanese household, breakfast is an excellent time to notice how family members speak to each other compared to how they address you, a visitor. Pay attention to the different levels of politeness being used.

Here are some questions you might ask or be asked concerning breakfast:

Here are some ways you can respond to these questions about breakfast:

It is customary for everyone at the table to say this phrase before beginning a meal:

いただきます (Itadakimasu) — Thank you for the food. I will begin eating now.

When the meal is finished, it is customary for everyone at the table to say this phrase:

ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita) — Thank you for the meal. I have finished eating.

More Japanese Greetings

Morning greetings are, of course, for the morning. For other times of day, here is an extensive list of additional Japanese greetings suitable for various times and situations:

Are you enjoying your morning? Now you know how to say "good morning" in Japanese for any situation and level of formality!