Question
I am planning to visit a local Japanese festival and I heard it is customary to greet people you meet there. How do I say “Hello” and “Nice to meet you” in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
こんにちは。はじめまして。
Konnichiwa. Hajimemashite.
Hello. Nice to meet you.
These are basic yet essential greetings to know when interacting with people in Japan, especially in social settings like festivals.
“Konnichiwa” (こんにちは) is used as “hello” during the day and is a versatile greeting suitable for most situations.
“Hajimemashite” (はじめまして) is used when meeting someone for the first time and carries the meaning “nice to meet you”. It is usually followed by introducing yourself with your name.
Familiarizing yourself with these phrases can greatly enhance your communication experience in Japan. Enjoy the festivities!
