Polite Ways to Say "Good Morning" in Japanese

The safe, polite standard is おはようございます. Use it with superiors, clients, strangers, and in any situation where bare おはよう would feel too casual.

The most common way

ohayō gozaimasu

A polite, standard “good morning” suitable for most situations.

How to say it: Keep the “ō” in ohayō long, and say the final ます as “mas”—the “u” is nearly silent.

business formal
。。
Ohayō gozaimasu. Honjitsu mo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
Good morning; I look forward to working with you today.
When to use it: Use in formal meetings or emails with senior colleagues or clients when a plain greeting feels too brief.
client-facing
。。
Ohayō gozaimasu. Itsumo osewa ni natte orimasu.
Good morning; thank you for your continued business and support.
When to use it: Use on business calls or emails to customers and external partners.
polite and personal
、。
Tanaka-san, ohayō gozaimasu.
Good morning, Mr./Ms. Tanaka.
When to use it: Use with a colleague or superior when you want to sound warm and respectful by naming them.
friendly small talk
。。
Ohayō gozaimasu. Kyō wa ii tenki desu ne.
Good morning; nice weather today, isn’t it?
When to use it: Use with neighbors, reception staff, or coworkers to soften the greeting and avoid sounding abrupt.
workplace collegial
。。
Ohayō gozaimasu. Otsukaresama desu.
Good morning; thanks for your hard work.
When to use it: Use with coworkers during a busy day when you want to be polite but still friendly.

A
。。
Ohayō gozaimasu. Honjitsu mo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
Good morning; I look forward to working with you today.
B
。、。
Ohayō gozaimasu. Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
Good morning; likewise, I look forward to working with you.
A
。
Kyō no kaigi wa jū-ji kara desu ne.
Today’s meeting is from 10, right?
B
、。
Hai, shiryō wa mō junbi dekite imasu.
Yes, the materials are already prepared.

~~おはよう~~ → おはようございます
Bare おはよう is casual and can sound rude to superiors, clients, or strangers.