あいさつ　　Greetings

お辞儀？握手？　　Bowing? Shaking hand?

In Japan, people bow rather than shake hands, hug, or kiss, when they meet for the first time.  A typical bow is performed with both feet together, the hands flat on the thighs (for men) or crossed in front (for women), and the torso inclined at a 15 degrees (for a light bow: to a close friend, or passing) 30 degrees (normal bow) or 45 degrees (deep bow: greeting to an important person or apology).  Drop your eyes as you bow.  The deeper and slower the bow, the politer it is.  Do not just nod your head.

Let's practice some basic Japanese greetings!

おはようございます。
Ohayoo Gozaimasu  "Good morning." (formal)
(おはよう）
Ohayoo  "Good morning." (informal)
こんにちは。
Kon nichiwa  "Hello."
こんばんは。        
Kon banwa  "Good evening."
おやすみなさい。
Oyasumi nasai  "Good night." (formal)
(おやすみ）
Oyasumi  "Good night." (informal)
じゃ、またね。
Jaa mata ne  "See you later" (informal)
バイバイ
Bai bai  "bye bye" (informal)
さようなら。
Sayoonara  "Good-bye."

Please repeat and practice!  First Click here then click "Greetings" in the next page.

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