もしもし
moshi moshi
Hello (on phone)
Phrase in 30 Seconds
The standard way to answer the phone in Japan, used to check if the other person can hear you.
- Means: A polite way to initiate or verify a connection during a phone call.
- Used in: Answering incoming calls or checking if someone is still on the line.
- Don't confuse: Do not use this as a general 'hello' when meeting people in person.
Explanation at your level:
Signification
Used to answer the phone or get someone's attention on a call.
Contexte culturel
Telephone etiquette is highly valued in Japan. Using the correct greeting shows respect for the caller. In international business, Japanese employees often adapt to the caller's language, but 'Moshi moshi' remains the internal standard.
Keep it rhythmic
Saying it with a slight rhythm makes you sound more natural.
Don't use in person
It will sound very strange if you say it to someone standing in front of you.
Signification
Used to answer the phone or get someone's attention on a call.
Keep it rhythmic
Saying it with a slight rhythm makes you sound more natural.
Don't use in person
It will sound very strange if you say it to someone standing in front of you.
Business variation
If you are in a professional setting, answer with 'Hai' and your name.
Teste-toi
Which is the correct way to answer the phone?
A: もしもし B: こんにちは
Moshi moshi is for phones; Konnichiwa is for in-person.
Complete the phrase: '______, kikoemasu ka?'
Fill in the blank.
Moshi moshi is used to check if someone can hear you.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are on the phone and it's fuzzy.
Use it to check the connection.
Complete the dialogue.
A: (Phone rings) B: ______, Tanaka desu.
Standard phone opening.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Questions fréquentes
8 questionsYes, it is common for video calls too.
It is usually said twice for rhythm.
No, it is gender-neutral.
Moshi moshi is still the best way to start.
Yes, it is very common in anime phone scenes.
No, it is for audio only.
For rhythm and to ensure the line is clear.
Only by Japanese speakers.
Expressions liées
はい
similarYes
聞こえますか
builds onCan you hear me?
お世話になっております
builds onThank you for your support
Où l'utiliser
Answering a friend
Ken: もしもし？
Yumi: あ、もしもし！
Checking signal
Ken: もしもし、聞こえる？
Yumi: うん、聞こえるよ。
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Mosquito' buzzing in your ear—'Moshi moshi' sounds like the buzzing of a phone call.
Visual Association
Imagine a vintage rotary phone with a tiny mosquito sitting on the receiver, saying 'Moshi moshi'.
Rhyme
When you pick up the phone, don't be a ghost, say 'Moshi moshi' to your host.
Story
Ken picks up his phone. He says 'Moshi moshi'. His friend laughs. He realizes he is at a party and shouldn't be using phone words in person.
Word Web
Défi
Practice saying 'Moshi moshi' with a friend over the phone 5 times today.
In Other Languages
¡Hola! / ¿Diga?
Spanish speakers use 'Hola' in person, while Japanese never use 'Moshi moshi' in person.
Allô
The etymology is different; 'Allô' comes from 'allons' (let's go).
Hallo / [Name] am Apparat
Japanese 'Moshi moshi' is more of a signal than an identification.
もしもし
Strictly audio-only.
الو (Allo)
It is a loanword, whereas 'Moshi moshi' is native Japanese.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'hello'.
Konnichiwa is for in-person; Moshi moshi is for phones.
Both are used to answer the phone.
Hai is more formal/business; Moshi moshi is neutral/casual.
Sounds like the start of the phrase.
Moshi means 'if'. Moshi moshi is the phone greeting.
FAQ (8)
Yes, it is common for video calls too.
It is usually said twice for rhythm.
No, it is gender-neutral.
Moshi moshi is still the best way to start.
Yes, it is very common in anime phone scenes.
No, it is for audio only.
For rhythm and to ensure the line is clear.
Only by Japanese speakers.
