こんにちは
konnichiwaA common greeting used during the day, equivalent to 'hello' or 'good afternoon' in English.
こんにちは、元気ですか？
Hello, how are you?
こんにちは、田中さん。
Good afternoon, Mr. Tanaka.
Generally used from late morning until early evening. Not typically used in the morning (use 'おはよう') or at night (use 'こんばんは').
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💡Pro Tip
When to Use 'こんにちは'
Use 'こんにちは' from around 10 AM to 5 PM. It's safe for most daytime interactions, whether meeting a friend, entering a store, or greeting a colleague.
⚡Gold Rule
Greeting Timing Matters
In Japanese, the time of day determines the correct greeting. Use 'おはようございます' in the morning, 'こんにちは' during the day, and 'こんばんは' in the evening.
📖Word Origin
Shortened form of the longer expression '今日はご機嫌いかがですか？' (Konnichi wa gokigen ikaga desu ka?), meaning 'How is your mood today?' Over time, it evolved into a standard daytime greeting.
📝Usage Notes
Appropriate in both casual and formal situations. Bowing slightly when saying 'こんにちは' is polite, especially in formal or business settings.