Signification
A casual and versatile expression for greeting, thanking, or acknowledging.
Contexte culturel
In offices, 'Doumo' is the 'hallway lubricant.' It allows employees to acknowledge each other without the time-consuming ritual of a full bow and formal greeting. Customers use 'Doumo' frequently to show appreciation to staff. It maintains a polite distance while still being friendly. On apps like LINE, 'Doumo' is often paired with a bowing emoji. It’s a quick way to react to a message without typing a long response. A 'Doumo' is almost never said with a stiff posture. A slight tilt of the head (small bow) is essential to convey the meaning properly.
The Magic Nod
In Japan, a 'Doumo' without a nod is like a burger without a bun. Always give a small, quick nod to make it sound natural.
The Boss Rule
Never use 'Doumo' alone with your boss. It can come across as 'Yeah, whatever' rather than 'Thanks'.
Signification
A casual and versatile expression for greeting, thanking, or acknowledging.
The Magic Nod
In Japan, a 'Doumo' without a nod is like a burger without a bun. Always give a small, quick nod to make it sound natural.
The Boss Rule
Never use 'Doumo' alone with your boss. It can come across as 'Yeah, whatever' rather than 'Thanks'.
The 'Doumo-Doumo' Double
If you want to sound extra friendly or enthusiastic, double it up! 'Doumo doumo!' is very common among middle-aged Japanese men.
Context is King
If you aren't sure what to say in a social situation, 'Doumo' is usually a safe bet to at least acknowledge the other person.
Teste-toi
Match the 'Doumo' usage to the correct situation.
You are entering a small shop and the owner says 'Irasshai!'
In this context, 'Doumo' acts as a casual acknowledgement or 'Hello'.
Fill in the blank with the most natural word.
A friend gives you a snack. You say: 'あ、____！'
'Doumo' is the perfect casual way to say thanks for a small gift.
Which of these is NOT an appropriate time to use 'Doumo' alone?
Choose the incorrect scenario:
You must use full, formal Japanese (Keigo) when speaking to a company president.
Complete the dialogue.
Person A: {昨日|きのう}は{資料|しりょう}を{送|おく}ってくれてありがとう。 Person B: いえいえ、____。
'Doumo-doumo' is a friendly, casual way to acknowledge thanks from a colleague.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Doumo vs. Douzo
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYou are entering a small shop and the owner says 'Irasshai!'
In this context, 'Doumo' acts as a casual acknowledgement or 'Hello'.
A friend gives you a snack. You say: 'あ、____！'
'Doumo' is the perfect casual way to say thanks for a small gift.
Choose the incorrect scenario:
You must use full, formal Japanese (Keigo) when speaking to a company president.
Person A: {昨日|きのう}は{資料|しりょう}を{送|おく}ってくれてありがとう。 Person B: いえいえ、____。
'Doumo-doumo' is a friendly, casual way to acknowledge thanks from a colleague.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot inherently, but it is casual. It's like saying 'Hey' instead of 'Good morning.' Use it with friends and in shops, but not with superiors.
Rarely. It's mostly for 'Hello,' 'Thanks,' or 'Sorry.' For goodbye, use 'Ja ne' or 'Shitsurei shimasu.'
'Arigatou' specifically means thanks. 'Doumo' is a general acknowledgement that *can* mean thanks depending on the situation.
A full bow isn't necessary, but a small 'nod-bow' (eshaku) is highly recommended for authenticity.
Yes, in casual emails to colleagues or friends, it's a common way to start: 'どうも、[Name]です。'
It is gender-neutral. Everyone uses it!
It adds emphasis and friendliness. It's like saying 'Thanks so much!' or 'Hey there!'
No. For big mistakes, use 'Moushiwake gozaimasen.' 'Doumo' is only for minor things like bumping into someone.
It is used universally across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa.
It is spelled ど (do) + う (u) + も (mo).
Expressions liées
ありがとうございます
builds onThank you (polite)
すみません
similarExcuse me / Sorry
どうぞ
contrastPlease / After you
どういたしまして
similarYou're welcome
失礼します
specialized formExcuse me (formal)
