Konichiwa (こんにちは) is a Japanese expression that can mean a greeting, such as "Hey", "Hi" or "Good afternoon".
The correct form of spelling in Romanized Japanese, known as "romanji", é Konnichiwa.
There are two different ways to wish "good afternoon" in the Japanese language: Konnichiwa and konkanwa.
As a rule, Konnichiwa it is considered a formal greeting, used by people when they are entering a place or when they meet someone, between noon and 6 pm (18:00) in Japan.
Between 6 pm and the beginning of the next day, the expression that should be used to wish a "good afternoon/good night" changes to konkanwa.
Japanese use the word oyasuminasai or oyasumi (in a less formal way) to say "good night" when saying goodbye, while konkanwa is used when arriving or meeting someone you know, as is the Konnichiwa.
The correct pronunciation of the word is Kon'nitchiuá.
Expressions and greetings in Japanese
- arigatou = thank you
- gomenasai = sorry
- ohayou = good morning (more informal)
- ohayou enjoyimasu = good morning (more formal)
- konnichiwa minna = good afternoon everyone
- doumo arigarou = thank you very much
- duomo = thank you (very informal way, used only among friends)
- Sayounara = bye/bye