Level: JLPT N5／For: Japanese learners and teachers／Situation: morning greeting
Question
You meet your boss at the office in the morning. What do you say first?
- おはようございます
- こんばんは
- おやすみなさい
- さようなら
Hint: Which greeting is used only in the morning?
Answer
1. おはようございます
Explanation
「おはようございます」is a morning greeting, and its polite form can be used even with superiors.
「こんばんは」is used in the evening,「おやすみなさい」before going to bed, and「さようなら」when parting — so none of them fits as the first greeting in the morning.
Sample conversation
A：おはようございます。
B：おはようございます。今日もよろしくお願いします。
In English you might just say “Good morning,” but in a Japanese company, clearly saying「おはようございます」to your superior is basic workplace etiquette.
Related
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