aisatsu (greeting) - part 1

ohayoo gozaimasu - good morning
* this greeting is used in the morning. The answer to this greeting is the same. Between family members and friends, the greeting can be shorten to 'ohayoo'.


konnichiwa - good afternoon
* this greeting is used from noon to sunset. The answer to this greeting is the same.


konbanwa - good evening
* This greeting is used when meeting someone after sunset. The answer to this greeting is the same.


oyasuminasai - have a good night sleep
* This greeting is used at night before going to bed. The answer to this greeting is the same.


sayoonara - good bye 
* This greeting is used when leaving someone for a long period of time. The answer to this greeting is the same. It can be added with the expression 'ogenkide' which means 'may you always be in good health'.


ittekimasu - good bye 
* This is used when someone leaves home or go out for the day. Literally it means 'i'll go and come back'


itteirasshai - good bye 
* This is a reply to the expression 'ittekimasu'. Literally it means 'please go and come back'.


tadaima - i'm home 
* This is used when one reaches home. This expression is used when someone has just arrived home from somewhere. Literally it means 'Now i'm back'.


okaerinasai - welcome home 
* This is a reply to the expression 'tadaima'. Literally this expression means 'Welcome home'.


gomenkudasai - i'm sorry but (is anyone home?)
* This expression is used when one knocks at someone else door to call the occupant of the house.