Practice the Rules for Greetings and Increase Your Likability
Daily greetings and strong communication is important in order for an organization with a large number of people to work smoothly.
In addition, do make it a habit to greet visitors or people who are not affiliated with your company because this will leave a good impression to them and increase your rapport. If you are not accustomed to Japanese greetings, first try the basic level such as Ohayou gozaimasu (Good morning) and Arigatou gozaimasu (Thank you). Do not forget to greet with a smile. However, do not smile when apologizing. It is important to show sincerity in your greetings.
It is also ideal to speak first to other people in order to give a good impression. Even toward your superiors, it would not hurt to give them a little bit of a friendly greeting to lighten things up.
Basic Samples of Greetings:
- Ohayo Gozaimasu – Good Morning.
- Arigatou Gozaimashita – Thank You.
- Moushiwake Gozaimasen – I am sorry (Formal speech).
- Hai (Say it clearly) – Yes.
- Kashikomarimashita – Certainly.
- Shosho Omachikudasai – Please wait for a moment.
- Otsukaresamadeshita – Thank you for your hard work.
- Ittemairimasu/Tadaima Kaerimashita – I will be off. /I came back.
- Itterasshai(mase)/Okaerinasai (mase) – Take care. /Welcome back.
- Osaki ni Shitsureishimasu – I will be leaving now.
- Shitsurei Itashimasu/Shitsurei Itashimashita – Excuse me. /Pardon me for bothering you.
- Japan is a country that gives extreme importance to greetings, so do bear in mind to practice proper conversations and greetings.
