How to Say "Good Morning" in Japanese
The usual way to say “good morning” in Japanese is おはようございます (ohayō gozaimasu). With friends and family, the shorter おはよう (ohayō) is more natural.
The most common way
ohayō gozaimasu
A polite, standard “good morning” used in most everyday and formal situations.
How to say it: Keep the は in おはよう as “ha,” hold the long ō sound, and make the final す in ございます whispery, almost like “mas.”
Other ways to say it
- casual
ohayō
A casual “morning” used among people who are close or on the same level.
When to use it: Say it to friends, family, or relaxed peers rather than to a boss, customer, or stranger.
- texting
ohayō
A relaxed, drawn-out “morning” common in casual messages.
When to use it: Use it in texts or chats with close friends or people your age.
- Kansai dialect
ohayō san
A warm, friendly morning greeting associated with Kansai dialect.
When to use it: Use it in Kansai or with people who are comfortable with dialect; it sounds informal and friendly.
- workplace
。。
Ohayō gozaimasu. Honjitsu mo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
A formal “Good morning. Thank you for your continued support today.”
When to use it: Use at the start of a workday with colleagues or clients, especially in a formal office or email.
In a conversation
- A
。。
Ohayō gozaimasu. Kyō mo yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
Good morning. I look forward to working with you today.
- B
。、。
Ohayō gozaimasu. Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
Good morning. Likewise, thank you in advance.
Common mistakes
おはよう→ おはようございますThe short form is too casual for a boss, customer, or stranger.
おはようございます→ こんばんはおはようございます is specifically a morning greeting, not a general hello for the evening.