MODULE 2 : Aisatsu あいさつ - A Typical Day



Most of us greet each other all the time.  It is a show of respect and at the same time, it shows that we acknowledge each other. In this module, we are going to learn about basic Japanese greetings. We will go through 25 different greetings that are applicable in different situations.

Ganbatte kudasai!

A Typical Day

How do you greet a friend in the morning? What if you pass by your teacher one morning on your way to class? Is there a difference in the way you greet both of them?

In Japan, there are different ways of greeting a person whom you know personally and a person whom you do not know personally

Just like we greet a close friend with just "Morning!", in Japan, we say “Ohayō". On the other hand, “Ohayō gozaimasu” is used to greet someone formally, where we say "Good Morning".



Although "Konnichiwa" is most often translated as “hello", it is also used for greeting someone in the afternoon.  So when you meet someone in the afternoon, I believe you know how to greet them :) 



                           


Just like there's two different ways of saying Good Morning, the same goes to Good Evening and Good Night.  Let's take a look at their difference.

"Konbanwa," means "Good Evening" or "Good Night" and is used when you would like to greet someone in the evening or night.  Play the video to hear its pronunciation.



                                  

When you're about to go to bed, you say "Oyasuminasai" which means "Good Night."  Click on the video to hear it.



                                 

Leaving and Returning Home

Ittekimasu - Itterasshai

What do you say when you're leaving your house to go to work or even class? In Japan, you say "ittekimasu" which means "I'm going" while the other party would reply "itterasshai" which means "so long."



Tadaima - Okaerinasai

When you return home, you say "tadaima" which means "I'm back" and the other party would say "okaerinasai" which means "welcome home."



                                  

Wishing for Luck

Arika is having her final examination tomorrow.  One of her juniors at her university approaches her as she was revising.  He wishes her Ganbatte Kudasai" which means "good luck."  She replies with "Ganbarimasu" which means "I'll try my best."



About a month later, her results came out and she scored with flying colours.  A few of her juniors at her university wished her "Omedetō gozaimasu" which means "congratulations" and decided to have a little celebration to celebrate her achievement.






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