When you greet people in Japan, there are some important cultural habits you should know. Here are the main points to keep in mind:

Bowing

• Bowing is important: Instead of shaking hands, people bow to say hello. The way you bow shows how much respect you have— the deeper you bow, the more respect you show.

Formality

• Use the right titles: In Japan, it’s polite to use a person’s last name and add "san" after it (for example, Tanaka-san). This shows you respect them and keeps things formal, especially when you first meet someone.

Common Greetings

• Here are some greetings you might hear:
  • "Konnichiwa" (こんにちは): This means hello during the day.
  • "Ohayou gozaimasu" (おはようございます): This is how to say good morning in a formal way.
  • "Konbanwa" (こんばんは): This means good evening, and you can use it after 5 PM.

Extra Tips

• Body Language: Try to be gentle. Smiling while you bow is a friendly gesture.
• Respect Personal Space: In Japan, people value their personal space. So, it’s best to avoid too much physical contact when greeting someone.

By understanding these cultural habits, you can have positive and respectful conversations in Japanese. Enjoy learning the language!