In Japanese, “おはよう (ohayou)” is the equivalent of “good morning” and is pronounced much like “oh-hai-yo.” It’s typically used from sunrise until around noon. In daily life, it’s common to say “ohayou” to classmates or coworkers upon arriving at school or the office, especially within the first few hours after waking up.

That said, there’s no strict cut-off. Some people stop using it after 11 AM, while others might still say it until noon. So while “ohayou” closely matches the meaning of “good morning,” the timing can vary depending on the person and context.

If you’re staying at a hotel in Japan, don’t be surprised if staff greet you with a polite “おはようございます (ohayou gozaimasu)” as you head to breakfast. A cheerful “ohayou” in return is a polite and natural way to start your day.

The Japanese greeting “こんにちは (konnichiwa)” is often translated as “good afternoon,” but it’s actually closer in meaning to “hello.” It’s the standard way to greet someone you don’t know well or when meeting someone for the first time. Since there’s no direct equivalent of “good afternoon” in Japanese, “konnichiwa” is commonly used from around 11 AM or noon until sunset.

Because it works as both “hello” and “good afternoon,” you’ll hear “konnichiwa” frequently during the day in Japan. It’s a handy phrase to remember when sightseeing—whether you’re entering a shop or passing someone during the day, saying “konnichiwa” is a friendly and appropriate way to say hi.

Just be careful not to use it too early in the morning—saying “konnichiwa” first thing might earn you a puzzled look!

The greeting “こんばんは (konbanwa)” is best understood as “good evening” rather than “good night.” It’s used after sunset, typically from around 6 PM until late evening, and is common when meeting someone at night—whether at a restaurant, bar, shop, or hotel.

Unlike “good night,” which in English usually signals bedtime, “konbanwa” is simply a polite evening greeting. You’ll often hear it in izakaya (Japanese pubs) or when entering a business in the evening. If someone greets you with “konbanwa,” a friendly “konbanwa” in return is perfectly appropriate.

There’s no hard rule on when to stop using it, but after midnight, it generally falls out of use. If you’re saying good night before bed, the proper Japanese phrase would be “おやすみ (oyasumi)” or the more polite “おやすみなさい (oyasuminasai).”

From morning to night, Japanese has a variety of greetings that reflect the time of day—often following the rhythm of the sun. While the specific phrases change from “ohayou” to “konnichiwa” to “konbanwa,” the purpose remains the same: to warmly connect with others.

So whether you’re greeting someone at breakfast or entering a shop in the evening, the key isn’t just saying the right phrase—it’s saying it with a smile and positive energy. That’s what truly leaves a good impression.