1.
hello (on the phone)
A greeting used when answering or making phone calls.
もしもし is the standard phone greeting in Japanese, used by both the caller and the receiver in casual contexts.
Usage on the phone
- Answering a call: もしもし、田中です。(Hello, this is Tanaka.)
- Checking the connection: もしもし、聞こえますか。(Hello, can you hear me?)
- Calling someone's home: もしもし、鈴木さんのお宅ですか。(Hello, is this the Suzuki residence?)
Getting attention
もしもし can also be used to get a stranger's attention, similar to 'excuse me': もしもし、落としましたよ。(Excuse me, you dropped something.) This usage is less common than すみません.
Business etiquette
In business settings, もしもし is generally avoided. Instead, the receiver states their company name: はい、〇〇会社でございます。Callers introduce themselves with お世話になっております (Thank you for your continued support).
Etymology
Derived from 申す (humble form of 言う, 'to say'), originally 申し申し.