もしもし in 30 Seconds
- A specialized Japanese interjection used specifically for answering the phone or voice chats, equivalent to the English 'Hello' or 'Alô'.
- Derived from the humble verb 'mousu' (to say), it was historically a way to politely signal that one was about to speak.
- Should never be used for face-to-face greetings, as it sounds strange or even rude to Japanese speakers in a physical setting.
- Commonly repeated twice ('moshimoshi') to ensure the listener is present and to distinguish oneself from supernatural entities in folklore.
The word もしもし (moshimoshi) is perhaps one of the most iconic Japanese expressions recognized globally, yet its specific usage is strictly defined by context. Primarily, it serves as the standard greeting when answering a telephone or initiating a conversation over a voice communication channel. Derived from the humble verb mousu (申す), which means 'to say' or 'to call' in a respectful manner, the term literally translates to a repeated 'I am speaking, I am speaking.' This repetition was historically used to ensure that the other party could hear the speaker clearly, a necessity in the early days of telecommunication when signal quality was often poor and unreliable.
- Primary Function
- Used as 'Hello' specifically for phone calls, voice chats, or radio communication. It is rarely used in face-to-face interactions unless one is trying to get the attention of someone who seems distracted or is walking away.
- Etymological Root
- Shortened from 'moushi-moushi,' the polite continuative form of 'mousu.' In the Edo period, it was used to call out to people of higher status or to signal one's presence respectfully.
In modern Japan, while the word remains ubiquitous, its level of formality has shifted. While perfectly acceptable for personal calls among friends and family, it is often replaced by more professional greetings in a business context. When a professional answers a business line, they are more likely to say 'Hai, [Company Name] de gozaimasu' (Yes, this is [Company Name]) rather than starting with 'moshimoshi.' However, if the connection is failing or if the line goes quiet, even a professional will revert to 'moshimoshi?' to check if the other person is still there.
「もしもし、お母さん？今、大丈夫？」
Furthermore, the intonation of 'moshimoshi' changes depending on whether you are answering the phone or checking for a response. When answering, the pitch is usually flat or slightly descending. When checking if someone is still on the line, the final 'shi' rises in pitch, turning it into a question: Moshimoshi?. This versatility makes it an essential tool for navigating the technical and social hurdles of distance communication in Japanese society.
Using もしもし correctly involves understanding its placement at the very beginning of an interaction. It functions as a conversation starter, similar to 'Hello' in English, but with a specific technological baggage. Unlike 'Konnichiwa,' which is time-dependent and used for face-to-face greetings, 'moshimoshi' is time-neutral; you can use it at 8:00 AM, 3:00 PM, or midnight without issue.
- The 'Answering' Pattern
- When your phone rings, you pick up and say 'Moshimoshi.' This signals you are ready to listen. In casual settings, this is often followed by your name if the caller is unknown, or just a pause to let the caller identify themselves.
- The 'Connection Check' Pattern
- If the line goes silent or you suspect the other person has hung up, you repeat 'Moshimoshi? Moshimoshi?' with a rising intonation. This is functionally equivalent to 'Can you hear me?' or 'Are you there?'
It is important to note that while 'moshimoshi' is the standard, it is not used in written letters or emails. For written communication, even digital ones like LINE or text messages, 'moshimoshi' is replaced by standard greetings like 'Otsukaresama desu' or 'Konnichiwa.' Using 'moshimoshi' in text is rare and usually implies you are about to call the person or are asking if they are available for a voice chat right now.
「もしもし、田中ですが、佐藤さんはいらっしゃいますか？」
In some rare face-to-face scenarios, you might hear 'moshimoshi' used by an older person to get the attention of a younger person who is spacing out or ignoring them. However, this can sound quite condescending or rude, as if the speaker is treating the other person like a broken telephone line. As a learner, it is safest to stick to 'Sumimasen' (Excuse me) for face-to-face attention-grabbing.
You will encounter もしもし in almost every Japanese media format involving modern life. In anime and TV dramas, the 'phone answering scene' is a staple trope used to convey news, set up plot points, or show the relationship between characters. Listen closely to the tone: a teenager might say a very clipped, casual 'moshimoshi,' while an older character might draw out the vowels more politely.
- Anime and Manga
- Characters often use 'moshimoshi' when calling friends. In supernatural or horror anime, the word is sometimes used for its folkloric protective qualities (the ghost test mentioned earlier), or conversely, a ghost might call and only say it once to signify its non-human nature.
- Business Environments
- In a Japanese office, you will hear 'moshimoshi' primarily when the internal connection is bad or when a worker is speaking on their personal mobile phone during a break. On official company lines, its absence is more notable than its presence.
Public transport is another place where you might hear it, though usually in a hushed tone. Despite the social stigma against talking on phones in trains, people occasionally take urgent calls, starting with a whispered 'moshimoshi' before quickly explaining they are on the train and will call back later.
「もしもし？聞こえますか？電波が悪くて...」
Lastly, you might hear it in customer service if you are on hold. Some automated systems use a recorded voice saying 'moshimoshi' to simulate a human connection before the agent picks up, although this is becoming less common in favor of polite music or 'Taihen omatase itashimashita' (Sorry to have kept you waiting).
The most frequent mistake for English speakers is using もしもし as a general replacement for 'Hello.' In English, 'Hello' works in almost any situation: meeting a friend on the street, entering a shop, or answering the phone. In Japanese, these are all distinct. Using 'moshimoshi' to greet a shopkeeper or a teacher in person will result in a confused look or a laugh, as it sounds like you think they are a telephone.
- Over-usage in Business
- New learners often use 'moshimoshi' when calling a Japanese company. While not 'wrong,' it marks you immediately as a beginner or an outsider. Professionals prefer 'Hai' followed by their name or company name. 'Moshimoshi' can sound slightly too casual or 'childish' in high-stakes corporate environments.
- Confusion with 'Konnichiwa'
- Remember: 'Konnichiwa' is for eyes. 'Moshimoshi' is for ears. If you can see the person, don't use 'moshimoshi' unless you are specifically trying to wake them up from a trance (and even then, be careful!).
Another mistake involves the 'repetition rule.' While 'moshimoshi' is the standard, some learners say it only once ('moshi'). This sounds incomplete and lacks the rhythmic flow expected in Japanese phone etiquette. Conversely, saying it three or four times ('moshimoshi moshimoshi') sounds frantic and suggests an emergency or extreme impatience.
Incorrect: (Entering a room) 「もしもし、田中さん、おはようございます。」
Finally, avoid using 'moshimoshi' in written emails. It is a spoken interjection. If you want to say 'Hello' in an email, use 'Osewa ni natte orimasu' (I am in your debt/standard business greeting) or simply 'Konnichiwa' for casual friends. Writing 'moshimoshi' looks like you are trying to write out the sound of a phone call, which is usually inappropriate for standard correspondence.
While もしもし is the king of phone greetings, there are several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific situation. Understanding these will help you sound more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.
- はい (Hai)
- In business settings, 'Hai' (Yes) is the standard way to answer. It sounds more professional and attentive than 'moshimoshi.' Example: 'Hai, Tanaka de gozaimasu.'
- お世話になっております (Osewa ni natte orimasu)
- This is the 'golden phrase' of Japanese business. Once the initial 'Hai' is said and the caller identifies themselves, you immediately follow up with this to acknowledge your ongoing relationship.
- おい (Oi)
- In very informal, masculine speech, 'Oi' might be used to get someone's attention face-to-face, similar to how 'moshimoshi' is sometimes misused. However, 'Oi' is quite rough and should be avoided by learners.
When comparing 'moshimoshi' to 'Konnichiwa,' the difference is entirely about medium. 'Konnichiwa' is for physical presence. Even on video calls like Zoom or Skype, people often transition from an initial 'moshimoshi' (checking the audio) to 'Konnichiwa' or 'Otsukaresama' once the visual connection is established.
Comparison:
Phone: 「もしもし、佐藤です。」
In Person: 「こんにちは、佐藤です。」
In summary, while 'moshimoshi' is your safe bet for any phone call, paying attention to how natives use 'Hai' or 'Osewa ni narimasu' will greatly enhance your sociolinguistic competence in Japanese. Always observe the context: Is the speaker at work? Are they talking to a stranger? The answer determines whether 'moshimoshi' is the right tool for the job.
Fun Fact
In the early days of Japanese telephones, the callers were often elite or high-ranking officials. They would shout 'Oi, oi!' (Hey, you!) to the operators. The operators, being in a service position, responded with 'Mousu, mousu' to be extra polite. Eventually, 'mousu mousu' was shortened to 'moshimoshi' for speed and efficiency.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing it as 'Moshi-Moshi' with a hard English 'i' like 'see' instead of the shorter Japanese 'i'.
- Over-emphasizing the second 'moshimoshi' so it sounds like two separate words instead of one rhythmic unit.
- Saying 'Moshy-Moshy' where the 'sh' is too heavy.
- Using an English rising intonation on the first word when answering.
- Forgetting to whisper/shorten the final 'i' in casual conversation.
Examples by Level
もしもし、田中さんですか？
Hello, is this Mr. Tanaka?
Basic question structure after the interjection.
もしもし、お母さん？
Hello, Mom?
Informal use with family.
もしもし、聞こえますか？
Hello, can you hear me?
Kikoemasu ka is the standard 'can you hear me' phrase.
もしもし、はい、そうです。
Hello, yes, that's right.
Combining moshimoshi with an affirmative response.
もしもし、今どこですか？
Hello, where are you now?
Basic 'where' question.
もしもし、佐藤です。
Hello, this is Sato.
Standard self-introduction on a call.
もしもし、ちょっと待ってください。
Hello, please wait a moment.
Chotto matte is a useful A1 command.
もしもし、また明日！
Hello, see you tomorrow!
Ending a call after the initial greeting.
もしもし、電波が悪いです。
Hello, the signal is bad.
Denpa (signal/reception) is a key A2 word.
もしもし、もう一度言ってください。
Hello, please say that again.
Mou ichido (once more) is a vital request phrase.
もしもし、さっきの件ですが...
Hello, about that matter earlier...
Ken (matter/case) is common in A2/B1.
もしもし、遅れてすみません。
Hello, sorry I'm late.
Apologizing for lateness is a standard A2 function.
もしもし、道に迷いました。
Hello, I'm lost.
Michi ni mayou (to get lost) is a common A2 verb phrase.
もしもし、まだ家にいますか？
Hello, are you still at home?
Mada (still) vs. Mou (already).
もしもし、電話を代わってください。
Hello, please put someone else on.
Kawaru (to switch/change) in the context of calls.
もしもし、後でかけ直します。
Hello, I will call you back later.
Kakenaosu (to call back) is a compound verb.
もしもし、お忙しいところすみません。
Hello, sorry to bother you while you're busy.
Standard B1 humble opening.
もしもし、田中さんの携帯でお間違いないでしょうか？
Hello, am I correct in thinking this is Mr. Tanaka's mobile?
Omachigai nai (no mistake) is a polite check.
もしもし、急ぎの用件なのですが。
Hello, it's an urgent matter.
Youken (business/matter) is essential for B1.
もしもし、声が遠いようです。
Hello, your voice sounds far away (faint).
Koe ga tooi is a set phrase for low volume/bad signal.
もしもし、留守番電話にメッセージを入れました。
Hello, I left a message on your voicemail.
Rusuban denwa (voicemail/answering machine).
もしもし、確認したいことがあるのですが。
Hello, there is something I'd like to confirm.
Kakunin (confirmation) is a key B1 noun.
もしもし、先ほどはお電話ありがとうございました。
Hello, thank you for the call earlier.
Sakihodo (a while ago) is more formal than 'sakki'.
もしもし、そちらの天気はどうですか？
Hello, how is the weather over there?
Sochira refers to the listener's location.
もしもし、お世話になっております。佐藤でございます。
Hello, thank you for your continued support. This is Sato.
Combining moshimoshi with keigo (de gozaimasu).
もしもし、電波の状況が不安定なようです。
Hello, it seems the signal situation is unstable.
Joukyou (situation) and fuantei (unstable).
もしもし、折り返しお電話をいただけますか？
Hello, could you please give me a call back?
Orikaeshi (calling back) in a polite request form.
もしもし、こちらの不手際で申し訳ございません。
Hello, I am very sorry for the mistake on our end.
Futegiwa (clumsiness/mistake) is advanced apology vocabulary.
もしもし、担当の者に代わりますので、少々お待ちください。
Hello, I will put you through to the person in charge, so please wait a moment.
Tantou no mono (person in charge) is vital for business.
もしもし、電波が途切れてしまったようで失礼いたしました。
Hello, excuse me, it seems the signal was cut off.
Togireru (to be interrupted/cut off).
もしもし、予約の件で変更をお願いしたいのですが。
Hello, I would like to request a change regarding the reservation.
Henkou (change/modification).
もしもし、夜分遅くに失礼いたします。
Hello, excuse me for calling so late at night.
Yabun osoku (late at night) is a set formal apology.
もしもし、もしもし！おい、聞いているのか？
Hello? Hello! Hey, are you even listening?
Using moshimoshi to express frustration/impatience.
もしもしという言葉の語源は、「申し上げる」の短縮形にある。
The origin of the word 'moshimoshi' lies in the shortening of 'moushi-ageru'.
Discussing linguistics using 'to iu' (called/named).
電話口で「もしもし」を繰り返すのは、かつての通信技術の名残だ。
Repeating 'moshimoshi' on the phone is a remnant of former communication technology.
Nagori (remnant/trace) is a sophisticated C1 noun.
もしもし、あ、幽霊じゃないですよね？二回言いましたから。
Hello... ah, you're not a ghost, right? Because you said it twice.
Referencing the 'ghost test' folklore.
もしもし、そんなに畏まらなくても大丈夫ですよ。
Hello, you don't need to be so formal (stiff).
Kashikomaru (to be formal/stiff).
もしもし、お互いの声が反響してしまっていますね。
Hello, our voices are echoing back at each other.
Hankyou (echo/reflection).
もしもし、途中で雑音が入って聞き取りにくいです。
Hello, there's some static/noise in the middle, making it hard to hear.
Zatsuon (noise/static) and kikitouri-nikui (hard to hear).
もしもし、電波の死角に入ってしまったようです。
Hello, it seems I've entered a signal dead zone.
Shikaku (blind spot/dead zone).
もしもし、という単純な挨拶の裏には、日本人の謙譲の美徳が隠されている。
Behind the simple greeting 'moshimoshi' lies the Japanese virtue of humility.
Kenjou (humility) and bitoku (virtue).
明治期の電話交換手が「申す、申す」と呼びかけたのが、もしもしの嚆矢とされる。
It is said that the beginning of 'moshimoshi' was when Meiji-era telephone operators called out 'mousu, mousu'.
Koushi (the first/the start/pioneer) is a very high-level academic term.
もしもし、という発話におけるピッチの変動は、話者の心理状態を如実に反映する。
Pitch variations in the utterance of 'moshimoshi' vividly reflect the speaker's psychological state.
Nyojitsu ni (vividly/as it is).
もしもし、という言葉が対面での注意喚起に転用される際、そこにはある種の傲慢さが介在する。
When the word 'moshimoshi' is diverted to call attention in person, a certain kind of arrogance is involved.
Kaizai suru (to intervene/be involved).
もしもし、電波の回折現象によって、音声が歪んでいる可能性があります。
Hello, due to signal diffraction, there is a possibility that the audio is distorted.
Kaifutsu (diffraction) and yugamu (to distort).
もしもし、という無意識の反復が、通信の不確実性を埋める儀式となっている。
The unconscious repetition of 'moshimoshi' has become a ritual that fills the uncertainty of communication.
Gishiki (ritual) and fukakujitsusei (uncertainty).
もしもし、という響きが消えゆく現代のテキスト文化において、声の重みを再考する。
In today's texting culture where the sound of 'moshimoshi' is fading, we reconsider the weight of the voice.
Kieyuku (fading away) and saikou (reconsideration).
もしもし、という一言が、何千キロもの隔たりを一瞬で無化する。
The single word 'moshimoshi' nullifies a separation of thousands of kilometers in an instant.
Muka suru (to nullify/render zero).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Literally 'Moshimoshi Hell,' referring to a situation where two people keep missing each other's calls or have a bad connection.
昨日からもしもし地獄で全然話せない。
— A common way to stall for time while thinking of what to say next on a call.
もしもし、あー、もしもし、えーと、何だっけ。
— Hello, do you have a signal?
もしもし、電波入ってる？声が途切れるよ。
— Hello, can you hear me? (Informal)
もしもし、聞こえてる？おーい。
— Hello, is now okay to talk?
もしもし、今大丈夫？ちょっと話せる？
— Hello, good job/hello (work context).
もしもし、お疲れ様です。部長、今お時間ありますか？
— Hello, this is Sato (casual 'ga' or 'kedo' ending).
もしもし、佐藤ですけど、山田さんいます？
— Hello, who is calling, please? (Polite)
もしもし、どちら様でしょうか？お名前をお願いします。
— Hello (initial), see you later (ending).
もしもし、あ、忙しい？じゃあまた後でね。
— Hello, can you hear me? (Drawn out, casual)
もしもし、聞こえますー？お返事くださーい。
Idioms & Expressions
— The start of a very famous Japanese children's song 'The Tortoise and the Hare.'
もしもしカメよ、カメさんよ〜♪
Child-friendly— Used jokingly to a friend who hasn't replied to messages in a long time.
もしもし、生きてる？全然連絡ないけど。
Slang/Informal— Used in a spooky or empty place to check for presence, mimicking a phone call for safety.
暗い廊下で「もしもし、誰かいますか？」と叫んだ。
Neutral— Used to wake someone up or check if they are paying attention.
授業中に寝ている生徒に「もしもし、起きてる？」と言った。
Informal— Used sarcastically when someone is ignoring a logical argument.
私の話、もしもし、聞こえてますかー？
Sarcastic— Used to express extreme urgency or panic on a call.
もしもし、もしもし！警察ですか！？
Urgent— A common 'idiomatic' sequence when a call drops.
もしもし、あ、切れた。またかけなきゃ。
Neutral— A slightly dialectal or older way to ask who is calling.
もしもし、どちらさんかね？
Dialect/Aged— Used in literature to describe the fading sound of a voice as a character loses consciousness.
彼の意識は遠のき、もしもし...という声だけが響いた。
Literary— Combining the phone greeting with a shout to get attention.
もしもし、おーい！こっちだよ！
InformalWord Family
Verbs
Related
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Moshi' (Motion) sensor on your 'Moshi' (Mobile) phone. You need to say it twice to 'activate' the person on the other end.
Visual Association
Imagine a fox trying to use a telephone but failing because it can only say 'Moshi' once. To prove you're human, you say it twice!
Word Web
Challenge
Try answering your next English phone call with a whispered 'moshimoshi' just to see how it feels (then quickly switch back to English!).
Word Origin
The word originated in the late 19th century when telephones were first introduced to Japan in the 1890s. Initially, people used the phrase 'mousu mousu' (I speak, I speak) to get the operator's attention. This was a very formal and humble way of saying 'I am going to speak now.'
Original meaning: A humble announcement of one's intent to speak, literally 'I speak, I speak.'
Japonic > Japanese > Humble Keigo (申す).Summary
Use 'moshimoshi' ONLY on the phone or voice calls to say hello or check the connection. For example: 'Moshimoshi, Tanaka desu' (Hello, this is Tanaka). Avoid using it in person or in formal business emails.
- A specialized Japanese interjection used specifically for answering the phone or voice chats, equivalent to the English 'Hello' or 'Alô'.
- Derived from the humble verb 'mousu' (to say), it was historically a way to politely signal that one was about to speak.
- Should never be used for face-to-face greetings, as it sounds strange or even rude to Japanese speakers in a physical setting.
- Commonly repeated twice ('moshimoshi') to ensure the listener is present and to distinguish oneself from supernatural entities in folklore.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
More communication words
について
A2about; concerning
宛先
B1The address or name of the recipient to whom mail or an email is sent.
番地
A2House number
賛同
B1Approval, endorsement; support or agreement with an idea.
~も
A2Too, also.
〜そして
A1And then; and (used to connect sentences or clauses).
〜や
A2And; and so forth (used to list examples, implying others exist).
たり
A2Indicates a non-exhaustive list of actions/states ('and so on').
お知らせ
B1Notice; an announcement or communication.
答え
A2A thing said, written, or done as a reaction to a question or statement.
