Q&A for How to Greet People in Japan

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  • Question
    Is it important to keep a certain distance from the person I am greeting?
    Community Answer
    The distance between your feet and theirs should be around two or three feet.
  • Question
    I will be meeting my son's female Japanese teacher for the first time in teacher/parent interviews. How should I greet her and should I bow?
    Community Answer
    You should say: Ohio go-zai-mas, and then bow. That is the formal greeting in Japan. Just say Ohio like you would say the state Ohio.
  • Question
    I am from the UK and will be meting my son-in-law's parents in Japan for the first time. How do I greet them?
    Community Answer
    If you are meeting elders or family in Japan, I would recommend a slight bow and a hello. Introduce yourself by your full name. Bow at either a 15 degree angle or 30 degree angle.
  • Question
    How do I respectfully greet an elder?
    Community Answer
    Give a 90 degree bow and call them by their last name and add a "sama" at the end.
  • Question
    How do you say "Hello, how are you" in Japan?
    Community Answer
    Saying "Kon'nichiwa, genkidesuka" which is "こんにちは、元気ですか" is how it's said in Japan. The pronunciation could be difficult, but you can hear it on google, once you search it to know how it is to be said. If you need more translations, install an English to Japan Dictionary or buy one. Some of them even have audios' available and can help you say more sentences in Japanese.
  • Question
    Do I introduce myself with my first name or surname first?
    Amberlight
    Community Answer
    You should introduce yourself with your surname first. For example, if you were John Smith, you would say: "Hello, I am Smith John". When introducing other people, you add a -san to the end of their name. you would say "Hello, this is Smith Sue-san."
  • Question
    When do I put the suffix -san on someone's name when addressing them? Is it on the first or family name?
    Community Answer
    The suffix -san is usually used formally and is often used when meeting someone for the first time. It is usually used with someone's family name.
  • Question
    Should I call older men “senpai”?
    Community Answer
    Senpai is generally used in work and school. If the person is a teacher, you would use Sensei. If you're in business, you would use Sama. If you're referring to someone as Mr./Mrs./Ms., you would use San.
  • Question
    What do I cook for a Japanese guest?
    Community Answer
    There isn't any one thing you could cook for anybody of any specific culture that everybody within that culture would like. There's more to this person than simply being Japanese; your guest is an individual with an individual's tastes and preferences. Some people enjoy the familiarity of their favorite dish from home, while others like to explore new culinary options when abroad. It's best to simply ask your guest, "What foods do you like?" and plan accordingly rather than assume there's a specific food that all people from Japan like.
  • Question
    How do greet a husband's wife in Japanese?
    MidnightBlue1_1
    Top Answerer
    You can greet each other by bowing. Or by saying Hajimemashite, if they do not understand English, which means "How do you do?" Another thing you could say is, Konnichiwa which means "Hello."
  • Question
    How do I start a formal presentation I have to give in a medical conference in Japan. I want to know any specific greetings etc.
    CatherineChurchill
    Community Answer
    If it is completely formal it would be a good idea to say: Ohayo Gozaimasu with a little bow for males or bowing the head for females.
  • Question
    Can we shake hands in Japan?
    Community Answer
    Yes. As explained above, handshakes are not as common in Japan as in many other places, but if a handshake is proffered, you can certainly accept it.
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