How to Say ‘Good morning.’ in Japanese
おはようございます。
ohayou gozai masu
[oh-ha-yoh goh-zah-ee mahss]
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is a standard polite morning greeting and works well with neighbors. It's more natural than asking [お元気ですか。] every morning, which can sound a bit textbook-like in Japanese.
Phrase Breakdown
おはよう
ohayou
[oh-ha-yoh]
good morning
The greeting part of the polite expression for saying good morning.
先生におはようとあいさつしました。
I greeted my teacher with "good morning."
ございます
gozai masu
to be; to exist (polite auxiliary in greetings)
A polite expression often attached to greetings and set phrases. Here it makes おはよう more polite.
おはようございます。
Good morning.
Words in this phrase
ござい
gozai
[goh-zah-ee]
to be; to exist (polite/humble form)
Used as part of a very polite fixed expression.
会場にお席がございません。
There are no seats at the venue.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite verb ending
Makes the expression polite and appropriate for formal situations.
毎日、日本語を勉強します。
I study Japanese every day.
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