挨拶をする
aisatsu o suru
greet
Literally: greeting (aisatsu) + object marker (o) + to do (suru)
In 15 Seconds
- The basic way to say 'to greet' in Japanese.
- Essential social lubricant used in every daily interaction.
- Combines the noun 'aisatsu' with the verb 'suru'.
Meaning
This phrase simply means 'to greet' someone. It covers everything from a quick 'hey' to a formal bow or a polite 'good morning.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Greeting a neighbor in the morning
Tonari no hito ni aisatsu o shimashita.
I greeted my neighbor.
Describing a polite coworker
Tanaka-san wa itsumo genki ni aisatsu o shimasu.
Mr. Tanaka always greets people energetically.
Feeling nervous about a formal meeting
Shachou ni aisatsu o suru no wa kinchou suru.
Greeting the CEO makes me nervous.
Cultural Background
Greetings are mandatory for social cohesion.
Always use 'suru'
Never use 'iu' for greetings.
In 15 Seconds
- The basic way to say 'to greet' in Japanese.
- Essential social lubricant used in every daily interaction.
- Combines the noun 'aisatsu' with the verb 'suru'.
What It Means
In Japan, aisatsu o suru is the ultimate social glue. It is not just about the words you say. It is about acknowledging the other person's existence. Think of it as a verbal handshake that starts every interaction. It covers 'hello,' 'goodbye,' 'good morning,' and even 'thank you.'
How To Use It
You treat this as a standard suru verb. To say 'I greeted my boss,' you use joushi ni aisatsu o shimashita. It is a very flexible phrase. You can use it with friends, family, or even a CEO. Just change the politeness of suru to match your situation.
When To Use It
Use it whenever you enter a room or see a neighbor. Use it when you start a meeting or leave a party. Even a small nod to the shopkeeper counts as aisatsu o suru. It is the first step in any Japanese social interaction. If you see a friend at a cafe, go ahead and aisatsu o suru!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you have been talking for ten minutes. That ship has already sailed! Also, do not use it for deep, long heart-to-heart conversations. It is strictly for the opening or closing moments of an encounter. If you are already mid-chat, you are past the greeting stage.
Cultural Background
In Japan, aisatsu is taught from kindergarten as a core life skill. It is considered a sign of a 'proper' and reliable adult. If you do not do it, people might think you are grumpy. Or worse, they might think you are incredibly rude! It is the foundation of building trust in Japanese society.
Common Variations
You might hear aisatsu o kawasu, which means 'to exchange greetings.' This sounds a bit more formal or even poetic. There is also aisatsu mawari. This refers to the practice of visiting several people just to say hello. This is common for new neighbors or business partners.
Usage Notes
This is a versatile collocation. Use the particle 'ni' for the person being greeted. In casual settings, the 'o' is frequently omitted.
Always use 'suru'
Never use 'iu' for greetings.
Examples
6Tonari no hito ni aisatsu o shimashita.
I greeted my neighbor.
A common daily occurrence in Japan.
Tanaka-san wa itsumo genki ni aisatsu o shimasu.
Mr. Tanaka always greets people energetically.
Being 'genki' (energetic) with greetings is a huge compliment.
Shachou ni aisatsu o suru no wa kinchou suru.
Greeting the CEO makes me nervous.
Formal greetings can feel high-pressure.
Kyou, suki na hito ni aisatsu o sareta!
Today, my crush greeted me!
Using the passive form 'sareta' means someone greeted you.
Uchi no inu wa neko ni mo aisatsu o suru.
Our dog even greets cats.
Using the phrase for animals adds a cute, personified touch.
Saigo ni sensei ni aisatsu o shimashita.
I gave my final greetings to the teacher.
Here, it implies a formal 'thank you and goodbye.'
Test Yourself
Which verb goes with 'aisatsu'?
朝、隣の人に挨拶を＿＿＿。
The correct collocation is 'aisatsu o suru'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Greeted Person
A casual 'Yo!' or a wave.
Tomo ni aisatsu suru
A polite 'Ohayou gozaimasu' and a small nod.
Kinjyo no hito ni aisatsu o suru
A formal bow and clear greeting.
Joushi ni aisatsu o shimasu
A deep bow and very formal language.
Goraishinkyaku ni aisatsu o moushiagemasu
When to aisatsu o suru
Office Arrival
Saying 'Ohayou' to colleagues
Leaving a Party
Saying 'Otsukaresama' to the host
Meeting a Client
Exchanging business cards and bowing
Walking the Dog
Nodding to other dog walkers
Practice Bank
1 exercises朝、隣の人に挨拶を＿＿＿。
The correct collocation is 'aisatsu o suru'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, but use 'noberu' for formal speeches.
Related Phrases
挨拶を交わす
similarTo exchange greetings
