Everyday Japanese Greetings Kids Learn by Age 5: Simple Phrases to Get You Started!
In our first post, we explored the adorable first words Japanese babies say, like "Mama" and "Wan-wan." Then in our second post, we discovered more playful words like "Manma" for food and "Iya-iya" for "No!"
But as children grow, they start to use more everyday expressions that help them interact with family, friends, and the world around them. By the age of 5 or 6, Japanese kids have already mastered basic greetings and simple expressions that you can use too!
In this post, we’ll introduce some of the most common Japanese greetings that young children learn—and that you can easily start using in your daily life.
1. おはよう！ (Ohayou!) – Good Morning!
One of the first greetings children learn is "おはよう (Ohayou)", which means "Good morning!" It’s casual and perfect for greeting friends and family.
Polite version: "おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu)" – Used for teachers, adults, or in more formal settings.
2. こんにちは！ (Konnichiwa!) – Hello! / Good Afternoon!
By age 5, most Japanese kids are comfortable using "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" to say hello during the day. It’s the standard greeting for the afternoon and works in almost any situation.
Example: "こんにちは！" (*Konnichiwa!* – Hello!)
3. こんばんは！ (Konbanwa!) – Good Evening!
When it starts to get dark, children switch to "こんばんは (Konbanwa)", which means "Good evening!" It’s a polite, friendly way to greet someone later in the day.
Example: "こんばんは！" (*Konbanwa!* – Good evening!)
4. いってきます！ (Ittekimasu!) – I’m leaving!
When kids leave home for school or daycare, they say "いってきます (Ittekimasu)" to their family. It literally means "I’m going and will come back," and it’s part of a daily routine in Japan.
Response: Family members reply with "いってらっしゃい！" (*Itterasshai!* – Have a good day!/See you later!)
5. ただいま！ (Tadaima!) – I’m home!
When kids come back home, they say "ただいま (Tadaima)", which means "I’m home!" It’s a warm and common greeting used every day in Japanese households.
Response: Family members reply with "おかえり！" (*Okaeri!* – Welcome back!)
6. ありがとう！ (Arigatou!) – Thank you!
Saying thank you is one of the most important expressions. Kids learn to say "ありがとう (Arigatou)" to show appreciation.
Polite version: "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" – Used in formal situations or when speaking to adults.
7. ごめんね！ (Gomen ne!) – I’m sorry!
When kids make a mistake or want to apologize, they say "ごめんね (Gomen ne)" to friends and family.
Polite version: "ごめんなさい (Gomennasai)" – A more formal way to say sorry.
8. おやすみ！ (Oyasumi!) – Good night!
Before going to bed, kids say "おやすみ (Oyasumi)" to family members. It’s a cozy and affectionate way to wish someone a good night.
Polite version: "おやすみなさい (Oyasuminasai)" – Used when being more polite or formal.
Cultural Note: Greetings Are a Big Part of Japanese Life!
In Japan, greetings are not just polite—they’re a fundamental part of everyday life. From morning to night, kids use these phrases to show respect, connect with others, and create a warm atmosphere in their homes and communities.
By learning these simple greetings, you’re not just speaking Japanese—you’re experiencing a key part of Japanese culture!
Practice These Greetings!
Try using these greetings in your daily routine:
- おはよう！ (*Ohayou!* – Good morning!)
- いってきます！ (*Ittekimasu!* – I’m leaving!)
- ただいま！ (*Tadaima!* – I’m home!)
- おやすみ！ (*Oyasumi!* – Good night!)
What’s Next?
In our next post, we’ll explore fun Japanese phrases kids use when playing with friends. Get ready to learn playful expressions that will bring even more fun to your Japanese learning journey!
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We’d Love to Hear From You!
Which of these greetings is your favorite? Have you used any of them before? 😊
Share your experiences or try out your favorite greeting in the comments below! Let’s connect and practice together!