Japanese Greetings & Polite Expressions: Essential Kanji for Courtesy in Japan

Master the kanji behind Japanese greetings and polite expressions: 礼 (courtesy), 挨 (greeting), 拶 (approach), 謝 (apology), 敬 (respect), 丁 (polite), 寧 (peaceful), 願 (wish), and more. Each entry includes readings, cultural context, and example sentences to help you understand the heart of Japanese politeness.

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Japanese Politeness: More Than Just Words

Greeting Culture

Japanese greetings go far beyond "hello." The kanji 挨拶 (aisatsu, greeting) literally means "pushing open and approaching," reflecting how greetings bridge the gap between people. Proper greetings set the tone for every interaction in Japan, from business meetings to neighborhood encounters.

Keigo: Honorific Language

Japanese has an entire system of honorific language called 敬語 (keigo). The kanji 敬 (respect) and 語 (language) combine to describe formal speech used with superiors, customers, and strangers. Understanding keigo kanji helps you recognize when formal language is being used.

Gratitude & Apology

Japanese culture places enormous value on expressing gratitude (感謝, kansha) and apology (謝罪, shazai). The kanji 謝 appears in both words, showing how thanks and apology share the concept of acknowledging another person. Knowing these kanji deepens your cultural understanding.

Essential Japanese Greeting & Politeness Kanji

These twenty kanji form the foundation of Japanese greetings, polite expressions, and social customs.

Meaning	Kanji	Hiragana	Romaji	JLPT
Greeting	挨	あい	ai	N1
Approach	拶	さつ	satsu	N1
Courtesy / Bow	礼	れい	rei	N3
Apology / Thanks	謝	しゃ	sha	N3
Respect	敬	けい	kei	N1
Polite / Careful	丁	てい	tei	N2
Peaceful / Thorough	寧	ねい	nei	N2
Wish / Request	願	がん / ねが	gan / nega	N3
Feeling / Emotion	感	かん	kan	N3
Worship / Pray	拝	はい	hai	N1
Welcome / Greet	迎	むか / げい	muka / gei	N3
First / Beginning	初	はじ / しょ	haji / sho	N3
Introduce	紹	しょう	shou	N3
Mediate / Help	介	かい	kai	N3
Lose / Mistake	失	しつ / うしな	shitsu / ushina	N3
Congratulate	祝	しゅく / いわ	shuku / iwa	N3
Forgive / Allow	許	きょ / ゆる	kyo / yuru	N3
Entrust / Ask	頼	らい / たの	rai / tano	N3
Inquire / Visit	伺	うかが	ukaga	N2
Humble / Low	謙	けん	ken	N1

All Japanese Greeting Kanji Explained

Explore each greeting kanji with its readings, origin story, cultural context, and example sentences used in daily Japanese life.

👋

挨

Greeting

あい (ai)

Origin: 扌(hand) + 矣 (exclamation): reaching out a hand in acknowledgment

Example:

朝の挨拶は大切です。

Asa no aisatsu wa taisetsu desu.

Morning greetings are important.

Culture tip: Almost always paired with 拶 to form 挨拶 (aisatsu, greeting). In Japan, a proper aisatsu is considered the foundation of all human relationships.

🤝

拶

Approach

さつ (satsu)

Origin: 扌(hand) + 窄 (narrow): squeezing through to approach someone closely

Example:

挨拶をしましょう。

Aisatsu wo shimashou.

Let's greet each other.

Culture tip: Rarely used alone; it exists almost exclusively in the word 挨拶 (aisatsu). Japanese children learn proper aisatsu as one of their first social lessons in school.

🙇

礼

Courtesy / Bow

れい (rei)

Origin: 示 (altar/spirit) + 豊 variant: showing reverence through ritual

Example:

お礼を言いたいです。

Orei wo iitai desu.

I want to say thank you.

Culture tip: 礼 encompasses bowing, manners, and thanks. お礼 (orei) means gratitude/thanks. 礼儀 (reigi) means etiquette. Bowing (お辞儀) is the physical expression of 礼.

🙏

謝

Apology / Thanks

しゃ (sha)

Origin: 言 (speech) + 射 (shoot): words that shoot straight from the heart

Example:

心から感謝しています。

Kokoro kara kansha shite imasu.

I am grateful from the bottom of my heart.

Culture tip: Uniquely, 謝 means both "thank" and "apologize": 感謝 (kansha, gratitude) and 謝罪 (shazai, apology). In Japanese culture, both involve humbling yourself before another person.

🏆

敬

Respect

けい (kei)

Origin: 苟 (cautious/careful) + 攵 (action): acting with careful consideration for others

Example:

敬語を使ってください。

Keigo wo tsukatte kudasai.

Please use honorific language.

Culture tip: The cornerstone of keigo (敬語, honorific language). Also in 尊敬 (sonkei, respect/admiration) and 敬意 (keii, respect). Using keigo correctly is essential in Japanese business culture.

✨

丁

Polite / Careful

てい (tei)

Origin: Pictograph of a nail head: something precise and carefully placed

Example:

丁寧に書いてください。

Teinei ni kaite kudasai.

Please write carefully.

Culture tip: Most commonly seen in 丁寧 (teinei, polite/careful) and 丁寧語 (teineigo, polite speech), one of the three levels of keigo. Being teinei is the baseline of Japanese social interaction.

🕊️

寧

Peaceful / Thorough

ねい (nei)

Origin: 宀 (roof) + 心 (heart) + 皿 (dish): a peaceful heart sheltered under a roof with food

Example:

丁寧な対応ありがとうございます。

Teinei na taiou arigatou gozaimasu.

Thank you for the polite service.

Culture tip: Almost exclusively paired with 丁 to form 丁寧 (teinei). Also in むしろ (mushiro, rather), written 寧ろ in kanji. The idea of thoroughness connects to Japanese attention to detail.

🌟

願

Wish / Request

がん / ねが (gan / nega)

Origin: 原 (source/origin) + 頁 (head/page): the original desire in one's mind

Example:

よろしくお願いします。

Yoroshiku onegai shimasu.

Please look after me. / Nice to meet you.

Culture tip: お願いします (onegai shimasu) is one of the most-used Japanese phrases, used for requests, introductions, and closing business conversations. At shrines, 願い事 (negaigoto) means a wish or prayer.

💝

感

Feeling / Emotion

かん (kan)

Origin: 咸 (all) + 心 (heart): when something touches all of your heart

Example:

感動しました。

Kandou shimashita.

I was deeply moved.

Culture tip: In 感謝 (kansha, gratitude), 感動 (kandou, deeply moved), 感想 (kansou, impression), and 感じる (kanjiru, to feel). An incredibly productive kanji in emotional expressions.

⛩️

拝

Worship / Pray

はい (hai)

Origin: 扌(hand) + two hands clasped: putting hands together in prayer or reverence

Example:

拝啓、お元気ですか。

Haikei, ogenki desu ka.

Dear Sir/Madam, how are you?

Culture tip: 拝啓 (haikei) is the standard opening for formal letters, like "Dear Sir/Madam." At shrines, 参拝 (sanpai) means worship/visiting. In humble speech, 拝見 (haiken) means "to humbly look at."

🏠

迎

Welcome / Greet

むか / げい (muka / gei)

Origin: 辶 (movement) + 卬 (face upward): moving toward someone face-to-face to welcome them

Example:

空港まで迎えに行きます。

Kuukou made mukae ni ikimasu.

I will go to the airport to pick you up.

Culture tip: In 歓迎 (kangei, welcome), 迎える (mukaeru, to greet/pick up), and お迎え (omukae, pickup). Japanese hospitality culture emphasizes physically going to greet and receive guests.

🌱

初

First / Beginning

はじ / しょ (haji / sho)

Origin: 衤(clothing) + 刀 (knife): cutting cloth for the first time, beginning a new garment

Example:

初めまして、田中です。

Hajimemashite, Tanaka desu.

Nice to meet you, I'm Tanaka.

Culture tip: 初めまして (hajimemashite) is the standard self-introduction phrase. Also in 初心者 (shoshinsha, beginner), 最初 (saisho, first), and 初日 (shonichi, first day). A kanji of new beginnings.

👥

紹

Introduce

しょう (shou)

Origin: 糸 (thread) + 召 (summon): threading connections between people by bringing them together

Example:

自己紹介をお願いします。

Jiko shoukai wo onegai shimasu.

Please introduce yourself.

Culture tip: Almost always in 紹介 (shoukai, introduction). Self-introduction (自己紹介, jiko shoukai) is a formal ritual in Japanese schools and workplaces. Being able to introduce yourself properly is considered a basic social skill.

🤝

介

Mediate / Help

かい (kai)

Origin: A person (人) standing between two things: mediating or connecting

Example:

友達を紹介します。

Tomodachi wo shoukai shimasu.

I will introduce my friend.

Culture tip: In 紹介 (shoukai, introduction), 介護 (kaigo, nursing care), and 仲介 (chuukai, mediation). The concept of being an intermediary is highly valued in Japanese social networks.

🙇‍♂️

失

Lose / Mistake

しつ / うしな (shitsu / ushina)

Origin: 大 (big) variant with a missing piece: something slipping away from your grasp

Example:

失礼しました。

Shitsurei shimashita.

I'm sorry for the rudeness. / Excuse me.

Culture tip: 失礼 (shitsurei) literally means "losing courtesy," a polite apology used when entering, leaving, or interrupting. 失敗 (shippai, failure) and 失望 (shitsubou, disappointment) also use this kanji.

🎉

祝

Congratulate

しゅく / いわ (shuku / iwa)

Origin: 示 (altar) + 兄 (elder brother): an elder performing a celebratory ritual at the altar

Example:

お誕生日おめでとうございます。

Otanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu.

Happy birthday.

Culture tip: In お祝い (oiwai, celebration/congratulations), 祝日 (shukujitsu, national holiday), and 祝福 (shukufuku, blessing). Japanese culture has many 祝い事 (iwaigoto, celebratory occasions) with specific rituals.

🤲

許

Forgive / Allow

きょ / ゆる (kyo / yuru)

Origin: 言 (speech) + 午 (noon): speaking plainly in broad daylight, granting permission openly

Example:

お許しください。

Oyurushi kudasai.

Please forgive me.

Culture tip: In 許す (yurusu, to forgive/allow), 許可 (kyoka, permission), and 免許 (menkyo, license). Asking for forgiveness and permission are important aspects of Japanese social interaction.

💬

頼

Entrust / Ask

らい / たの (rai / tano)

Origin: 束 (bundle) + 頁 (head/page): gathering thoughts in your mind before making a request

Example:

お願いがあるのですが。

Onegai ga aru no desu ga.

I have a request.

Culture tip: 頼む (tanomu) means "to ask/request," casual but sincere. 頼り (tayori) means reliability. 信頼 (shinrai, trust) combines 信 (believe) + 頼 (entrust). Trust and reliable relationships are central to Japanese society.

🏢

伺

Inquire / Visit

うかが (ukaga)

Origin: 亻(person) + 司 (manage/serve): a person attending to serve or inquire respectfully

Example:

お名前を伺ってもよろしいですか。

Onamae wo ukagatte mo yoroshii desu ka.

May I ask your name?

Culture tip: 伺う (ukagau) is the humble form of "to ask," "to visit," and "to hear." It replaces 聞く (kiku), 行く (iku), and 訪ねる (tazuneru) in keigo. Using 伺う shows deep respect for the listener.

🙏

謙

Humble / Modest

けん (ken)

Origin: 言 (speech) + 兼 (combine/double): speaking with doubled care, holding back boastfulness

Example:

謙虚な態度が大切です。

Kenkyo na taido ga taisetsu desu.

A humble attitude is important.

Culture tip: In 謙虚 (kenkyo, humble/modest) and 謙譲語 (kenjougo, humble speech, one of the three keigo levels). Japanese culture values 謙遜 (kenson, modesty); deflecting compliments is considered polite.

Common Japanese Social Situations

Here are real situations where greeting and politeness kanji are essential in Japanese daily life.

🏢

At the Office

会社で (kaisha de)

Japanese offices use keigo (敬語) extensively. You'll hear お疲れ様 (otsukaresama, "you've worked hard") as a greeting, 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu, "excuse me") when entering rooms, and 宜しくお願いします (yoroshiku onegai shimasu, "please look after me") constantly.

敬 respect礼 courtesy失 lose願 wish

🏪

In Shops & Restaurants

お店で (omise de)

Staff will greet you with いらっしゃいませ (irasshaimase, welcome). When leaving, you'll hear ありがとうございました (thank you). Receipts may show 感謝 (kansha, gratitude). Signs display お辞儀 (ojigi, bow) instructions for staff.

迎 welcome感 feel謝 thank

🤝

Meeting Someone New

初対面 (shotaimen)

When meeting someone for the first time, you'll use 初めまして (hajimemashite, nice to meet you) with the kanji 初 (first). Self-introductions (自己紹介, jiko shoukai) are a formal ritual, ending with お願いします (onegai shimasu, "please be kind to me").

初 first紹 introduce介 mediate

📨

Writing Letters & Emails

手紙 (tegami)

Formal Japanese letters use specific kanji patterns: 拝啓 (haikei, "dear sir/madam"), 敬具 (keigu, "sincerely"), and seasonal greetings. Emails often begin with お世話になっております and end with 宜しくお願い致します, both packed with politeness kanji.

拝 worship敬 respect丁 polite

Greeting & Politeness Compound Words (Jukugo)

Greeting kanji combine to form essential compound words used every day in Japanese social life.

Compound	Reading	Meaning
挨拶	aisatsu	Greeting (greeting + approach)
丁寧	teinei	Polite / Careful (polite + peaceful)
感謝	kansha	Gratitude (feeling + thanks)
敬語	keigo	Honorific language (respect + language)
紹介	shoukai	Introduction (introduce + mediate)
失礼	shitsurei	Rudeness / Excuse me (lose + courtesy)
謝罪	shazai	Apology (apologize + sin)
歓迎	kangei	Welcome (joy + greet)
祝福	shukufuku	Blessing (congratulate + fortune)
許可	kyoka	Permission (allow + possible)
信頼	shinrai	Trust (believe + entrust)
謙虚	kenkyo	Humble / Modest (humble + empty)
拝啓	haikei	Dear Sir/Madam (worship + open)
敬具	keigu	Sincerely (respect + tool/all)

Tips for Learning Japanese Greeting Kanji

Learn Greetings as Pairs

Many Japanese greetings come in pairs: 挨拶 (aisatsu, greeting), 丁寧 (teinei, polite), 感謝 (kansha, gratitude). Learning kanji in their natural compound pairs helps you remember both characters and understand how Japanese builds meaning from combinations.

Observe Keigo in Context

Watch Japanese dramas, anime, or news and listen for keigo patterns. When characters switch to formal speech, notice the kanji in subtitles: 申す (mousu, humble "say"), 参る (mairu, humble "go"), 頂く (itadaku, humble "receive"). Context makes these kanji stick.

Practice Common Phrases First

Focus on the kanji in phrases you'll actually use: ありがとう (arigatou, thank you) uses 有難う, すみません (sumimasen, excuse me) uses 済みません, お願いします (onegai shimasu, please) uses 願. Learning through real phrases builds practical reading ability.

Use Our Card Collection

Gamify your greeting kanji study with our card-collection system. Collect politeness kanji cards, test yourself with quizzes, and build your personal Jisho. Understanding these kanji deepens your appreciation of Japanese social culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important Japanese greeting kanji?

The most essential greeting kanji are 挨 and 拶, which combine to form 挨拶 (aisatsu, greeting). Other key kanji include 礼 (rei, courtesy/bow), 謝 (sha, thanks/apology), 敬 (kei, respect), and 願 (gan, wish/request). These appear in everyday expressions like お礼 (orei, thank you), 感謝 (kansha, gratitude), 敬語 (keigo, honorific language), and お願いします (onegai shimasu, please). Mastering even these six kanji gives you deep insight into Japanese social customs.

What is keigo and why is it important?

Keigo (敬語) is the Japanese honorific language system, combining 敬 (respect) + 語 (language). It has three levels: sonkeigo (尊敬語, respectful language used for others' actions), kenjougo (謙譲語, humble language for your own actions), and teineigo (丁寧語, polite language using -masu/-desu forms). Keigo is essential in business, customer service, formal emails, and when speaking to elders or strangers. Using it correctly demonstrates social awareness, respect, and maturity.

How do I say thank you in Japanese using kanji?

The standard "thank you" is ありがとう (arigatou), which can be written with the kanji 有難う (literally "difficult to exist", meaning something rare and precious). For deeper gratitude, use 感謝 (kansha), combining 感 (feeling) + 謝 (thanks). お礼 (orei) means formal appreciation using 礼 (courtesy). In the most formal business context, 御礼申し上げます (orei moushiagemasu) expresses the deepest form of thanks. Japanese has many levels of gratitude expression, each appropriate for different social contexts.

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