FrenseiStart free

N5 · Phrase guide

Konnichiwa — Not Your Default Hello

こんにちは

こんにちは

Hello / good afternoon

Nuance

Textbook default, but real life favors situational phrases (おはよう, はじめまして, お久しぶり). こんにちは fits afternoon greetings to acquaintances.

Cultural note

Kids and service staff use it more. Among coworkers you see daily, a nod or お疲れ様 is more typical than こんにちは.

Examples

  • こんにちは。

    Hello.

    Afternoon, meeting a neighbor

  • 先生、こんにちは。

    Hello, teacher.

    Student greeting

Common mistakes

  • Saying こんにちは to coworkers every afternoon
  • Using it on the phone (もしもし is standard)

Ask Sensei about こんにちは

Try 3 free messages—no sign-up. Get a personalized explanation.

Try with Sensei

Related phrases

おはようございますこんばんは