A1 Expression 격식체 2분 분량

おはようございます

Good morning (polite)

직역: It is early (polite form)

Use it politely with everyone you meet before 11:00 AM to start the day respectfully.

15초 만에

  • Standard polite morning greeting used until mid-morning.
  • Literally means 'it is early' in a respectful way.
  • Essential for work, school, and greeting strangers politely.

This is the standard, polite way to say 'Good morning' in Japanese. It is like saying 'It is early' with a very respectful tone.

주요 예문

3 / 6
1

Arriving at the office

田中さん、おはようございます。

Good morning, Mr. Tanaka.

💼
2

Greeting a neighbor

おはようございます!いい天気ですね。

Good morning! It is nice weather, isn't it?

🤝
3

Entering a classroom

先生、おはようございます。

Good morning, Teacher.

👔
🌍

문화적 배경

The phrase originated in the Edo period within the theater community to greet actors arriving early for rehearsals. It emphasizes the virtue of punctuality and hard work. Today, it is uniquely used as a 'first meeting of the day' greeting in many workplaces, regardless of the actual time.

💡

The Bow Factor

When saying this to a superior, a slight 15-degree bow makes you look like a pro. It shows you really mean the respect!

⚠️

The 11:00 AM Rule

Most people switch to `こんにちは` (Konnichiwa) after 11:00 AM. If you say it too late, you might look like you just rolled out of bed.

15초 만에

  • Standard polite morning greeting used until mid-morning.
  • Literally means 'it is early' in a respectful way.
  • Essential for work, school, and greeting strangers politely.

What It Means

おはようございます is your go-to morning greeting. It literally translates to "it is early." By adding ございます, you make it polite. It shows respect for the person you are greeting. It is the verbal equivalent of a friendly, professional handshake.

How To Use It

Say it clearly when you enter a room. A small nod of the head adds a nice touch. You can use it with teachers, bosses, or strangers. If you are in a shop, the staff might say it first. Just repeat it back to them. It is a great way to start your day on a positive note.

When To Use It

Use it from sunrise until about 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. It is the perfect icebreaker for your morning commute. Use it when you walk into the office. Use it when you see your neighbor walking their dog. Interestingly, people in the entertainment industry use it all day long. For them, it means "this is our first meeting today."

When NOT To Use It

Do not use the full version with your toddler or cat. That would be a bit too stiff! For close friends, just stick to the shorter おはよう. Also, avoid using it after noon. If the sun is high, switch to こんにちは. Using it at 3:00 PM might get you some confused looks. Unless, of course, you just woke up from a very long nap.

Cultural Background

The phrase has roots in the world of traditional Kabuki theater. Back then, performers arrived early to prepare. People would acknowledge their early arrival with this phrase. It was a way to recognize someone's hard work and dedication. Today, it remains a pillar of Japanese social harmony. It sets a respectful tone for the entire day ahead.

Common Variations

The most common variation is the casual おはよう. Young people sometimes shorten it even further to おは. In very masculine or sporty circles, you might hear おす. However, おはようございます remains the safest bet for any situation. When in doubt, go for the polite version. You can never be too polite in Japan!

사용 참고사항

This is a formal/polite expression. Use the full version `おはようございます` in any situation where you want to show respect, especially at work or with elders.

💡

The Bow Factor

When saying this to a superior, a slight 15-degree bow makes you look like a pro. It shows you really mean the respect!

⚠️

The 11:00 AM Rule

Most people switch to `こんにちは` (Konnichiwa) after 11:00 AM. If you say it too late, you might look like you just rolled out of bed.

💬

The Industry Secret

In TV stations or restaurants, people say this even at midnight! It functions as a way to say 'This is our first shift together today.'

예시

6
#1 Arriving at the office
💼

田中さん、おはようございます。

Good morning, Mr. Tanaka.

A standard way to greet a colleague or superior.

#2 Greeting a neighbor
🤝

おはようございます!いい天気ですね。

Good morning! It is nice weather, isn't it?

Great for small talk with people in your community.

#3 Entering a classroom
👔

先生、おはようございます。

Good morning, Teacher.

Students always use the polite form with teachers.

#4 Texting a group chat with coworkers
💼

皆様、おはようございます。今日もよろしくお願いします。

Good morning everyone. Looking forward to working with you today.

Sets a positive and professional tone for the work day.

#5 Waking up a roommate who overslept
😄

おはようございます!もう10時ですよ!

Good morning (polite)! It is already 10 o'clock!

Using the polite form here adds a sarcastic, mock-formal edge.

#6 Meeting a mentor after a long time
💭

おはようございます。お元気でしたか?

Good morning. Have you been doing well?

Combines a morning greeting with a warm inquiry about health.

셀프 테스트

Choose the correct ending to make the greeting polite for your boss.

おはよう___。

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: ございます

`ございます` is the specific polite auxiliary used with `おはよう`.

Which greeting is appropriate at 8:00 AM?

___、田中さん。

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: おはようございます

`おはようございます` is for the morning, while the others are for afternoon and evening.

🎉 점수: /2

시각 학습 자료

Morning Greeting Formality

Casual

Friends and family

おはよう (Ohayou)

Polite

Standard social/work situations

おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu)

Very Formal

Extremely high-respect settings

早朝より失礼いたします

Where to use おはようございます

Morning Greeting
💼

At the Office

Greeting your boss

🏫

At School

Greeting a teacher

🏪

In a Shop

Greeting staff

🏡

In the Neighborhood

Greeting a senior

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It comes from the adjective 早い (hayai), which means early. So you are literally telling someone, 'You are early!'

Yes, but only with friends, family, or people younger than you. Using it with a boss might be seen as rude.

Usually, 10:30 AM is the safe cutoff. After that, most people switch to こんにちは (Konnichiwa).

In industries like entertainment or hospitality, it is used to greet colleagues regardless of the hour. It marks the start of the work day.

A full bow isn't required, but a polite nod or a small bend at the waist is very common and appreciated.

Yes, it is a very common way to start a morning email to a colleague or client. It feels professional and polite.

Younger people sometimes say おは (Oha), but it is very casual. Use it only with close friends via text.

In rural areas, it is very common! In big cities like Tokyo, people might be surprised, but they will usually find it pleasant.

Simply repeat it back: おはようございます. You don't need to change anything.

Always use ございます (present tense). Even if the 'earliness' is passing, the greeting stays in the present.

관련 표현

おはよう

Good morning (casual)

こんにちは

Good afternoon / Hello

お疲れ様です

Thank you for your hard work (common work greeting)

行ってきます

I'm leaving (said when leaving home)

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