挨拶(あいさつ)

あいさつ
noun
greeting, salutation
See also: 挨拶(あいさつ)する (verb form)
1. greeting, salutation
Words or actions used when meeting someone or on particular occasions.
朝(あさ)の挨拶(あいさつ)をする。
I say good morning.
挨拶(あいさつ)もなしに帰(かえ)った。
They left without even saying goodbye.
近所(きんじょ)の人(ひと)に挨拶(あいさつ)した。
I greeted my neighbors.
日本(にほん)では挨拶(あいさつ)が大切(たいせつ)です。
Greetings are important in Japan.
先生(せんせい)に挨拶(あいさつ)しなさい。
Greet your teacher.
ご挨拶(あいさつ)が遅(おそ)くなりました。
I'm sorry for the late greeting.
2. address, speech
A formal speech or remarks, especially at ceremonies.
社長(しゃちょう)の挨拶(あいさつ)があった。
There was a speech by the president.
結婚式(けっこんしき)で挨拶(あいさつ)を頼(たの)まれた。
I was asked to give a speech at the wedding.
新年(しんねん)の挨拶(あいさつ)を述(の)べた。
I delivered a New Year's address.
開会(かいかい)の挨拶(あいさつ)をします。
I'll give the opening address.
校長(こうちょう)先生(せんせい)が卒業式(そつぎょうしき)で長(なが)い挨拶(あいさつ)をした。
The principal gave a long speech at the graduation ceremony.

挨拶(あいさつ) covers both everyday greetings and formal speeches or addresses. It is one of the most important social concepts in Japanese culture.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 挨拶(あいさつ)する: to greet
  • 挨拶(あいさつ)を交(か)わす: to exchange greetings
  • ご挨拶(あいさつ): greeting (polite form)
  • 挨拶(あいさつ)回(まわ)り: making rounds to greet people (e.g., neighbors, clients)

COMMON GREETINGS:

  • おはようございます: good morning
  • こんにちは: hello (daytime)
  • こんばんは: good evening
  • さようなら: goodbye
  • いただきます / ごちそうさま: meal greetings

CULTURAL NOTE:
Greetings are considered essential in Japan. Children learn 挨拶(あいさつ) early, and failing to greet properly can be seen as rude. In business, 挨拶(あいさつ)回(まわ)り (greeting visits) are customary when starting a new position or at the new year.

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Added 2026.1.11 21:42 · Revised 2026.4.4 19:40
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