おはよう

おはよう
expression
good morning (casual)
1. good morning (casual)
A casual greeting used in the morning, typically among friends, family, or equals.
Good morning, let's do our best today too.
「おはよう」「おはよう、よく(ねむ)れた?」
"Good morning." "Morning, did you sleep well?"
子供(こども)たち「おはよう」挨拶(あいさつ)した。
The children greeted me with 'good morning.'
Every morning, I say 'good morning' to my family.
'Good morning, the weather is nice today, isn't it?' my friend said.

おはよう is the casual form of the morning greeting.

FORMALITY LEVELS:

  • おはよう: casual (friends, family, children)
  • おはようございます: polite (business, strangers, superiors)

USAGE NOTES:

  • Used roughly until late morning (around 10-11 AM)
  • In entertainment industry, used regardless of time as first greeting of the day
  • Can be shortened to おは in very casual texting

ETYMOLOGY: From お(はや)う ('you're early/it's early').