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N5 · Phrase guide

Konbanwa — Evening Hello

こんばんは

こんばんは

Good evening

Nuance

Used after dusk for greetings. Less common in close relationships where conversation starts without a time-specific hello.

Cultural note

Formal events, meeting someone in the evening, or entering a restaurant at night—konbanwa fits.

Examples

  • こんばんは。

    Good evening.

    Arriving at an evening party

  • こんばんは、予約しています。

    Good evening, I have a reservation.

    Restaurant arrival

Common mistakes

  • Using こんにちは at night
  • Overusing it with family at home

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Related phrases

こんにちはおはようございます