A bow can accompany a greeting, thanks or an apology. Its depth and the words depend on the situation.

The idea

Bend from the waist for a bow; a small nod is common when meeting a friend. A deeper bow can express greater respect. Say おはようございます in the morning and はじめまして on meeting someone for the first time; ありがとうございます expresses thanks. Follow the other person and adapt to the setting rather than memorising rigid angles.

Patterns to compare
SituationExpression
朝あさおはようございます
初はじめて会あうはじめまして
助たすけてもらうありがとうございます

Examples

  • 朝あさ、先生せんせいに「おはようございます」と言いいます。In the morning, I say “Good morning” to my teacher.
  • 会あった人ひとに軽かるくおじぎをします。I bow lightly to someone I meet.
  • 「はじめまして」と言いって、おじぎをします。I say “Nice to meet you” and bow.
  • 手伝てつだってくれて、ありがとうございます。Thank you for helping me.
  • すみません、遅おくれました。Excuse me, I am late.
  • 友達ともだちに「また明日あした」と言いいます。I say “See you tomorrow” to a friend.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

A bow does not have one universal meaning. The words and context distinguish greeting, gratitude and apology; customs and individual preferences vary.

Try it yourself

  1. Which greeting is used in the morning? 「おはようございます／こんばんは」

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    おはようございます

    おはようございます is the polite morning greeting; こんばんは is for the evening.

  2. What do you say when meeting someone for the first time? 「はじめまして／また明日（あした）」

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    はじめまして

    はじめまして marks a first meeting; また明日 means see you tomorrow.

  3. How do you thank someone for help? 「ありがとうございます／すみません」

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    ありがとうございます

    ありがとうございます thanks someone for their help; すみません can apologise or attract attention.

Use it today

Practise meeting a teacher and thanking a friend. Choose words and a gesture for each situation.