Moshi Moshi: A Guide to This Casual Japanese Greeting

In the early days of telephony in Japan, operators would begin calls with the courteous term “申す” (mōsu), meaning “to say.” Due to the poor call quality at the time, callers often repeated this phrase to ensure their message was heard. This practice eventually evolved into the familiar greeting “もしもし” (moshi moshi), which means “Hello” and is now widely used in casual conversations over the phone.

In this article, discover the appropriate times to use “moshi moshi” on the phone and when it’s best to skip it. Additionally, you’ll find alternative phrases to ensure you’re always prepared for any conversation.

Moshi moshi on the phone

In Japanese, “moshi moshi” is a courteous and friendly greeting used when answering the phone. The usage of this phrase follows specific cultural rules, which can be quite strict. Traditionally, “moshi moshi” is reserved for informal conversations with friends and family, although younger generations are beginning to bend this etiquette. You can also use it when initiating a phone call, making it a versatile phrase in casual communication.

You can use “moshi moshi” in more situations than just answering the phone. For instance, if you’re chatting with a friend who drives through a tunnel and their voice becomes muffled, you can say, “もしもし、聞こえますか？” (moshi moshi, kikoemasu ka?), which translates to “Hello, can you hear me?” This phrase is a handy way to check if you’re still connected during a conversation!

Learning Japanese online? One essential phrase to know is “moshi moshi.” This greeting has gained popularity in recent years, especially during video calls, making it a practical addition to your language skills!

Moshi moshi face-to-face

#shorts Moshi Moshi 3 ways of using もしもし Japanese lesson – YouTube 

Originally a greeting for phone calls, “moshi moshi” has also found its place in face-to-face interactions. If you’re chatting with a friend who’s lost in thought, using “moshi moshi” can effectively capture their attention. You might say, “もしもし、聞いてる？” (moshi moshi, kiiteru?), which translates to “Hey, are you listening to me?” This simple phrase helps re-engage your friend in the conversation.

Alternative Japanese phone greetings

When answering the phone, saying “moshi moshi” is perfectly fine for casual chats with friends and family. However, in more formal situations or when receiving calls from unfamiliar numbers, it’s important to use a more suitable greeting. Let’s explore some effective phrases for those occasions.

Answering calls

• When receiving calls from unknown numbers, respond with “はい” (hai) followed by your last name, such as “はい、田中です。” which translates to “Hello, this is Tanaka.” This approach ensures a safe and courteous introduction.
• In a business call, it’s customary to express gratitude before introducing yourself. Use the phrase: “お電話ありがとうございます。A株式会社の田中です。” (o denwa arigatō gozaimasu. A Kabushiki gaisha no Tanaka desu.), which translates to “Thank you for your call. This is Tanaka from A Co., Ltd.”

Making calls

• When calling friends or family, “moshi moshi” is acceptable. However, for others, it’s courteous to introduce yourself and state the purpose of your call. For example, say “田中ですが、ご予約についてお電話しております” (Tanaka desuga, go yoyaku nitsuite o denwa shiteorimasu), meaning “This is Tanaka, I’m calling about the reservation.”
• In formal settings, begin your phone calls with “お世話になっております” (Osawa ni natteorimasu), a Japanese phrase that translates loosely to “Thank you for your support.” This greeting is widely used in business communications, including phone calls and emails.

To kick off formal phone conversations, consider using the phrase “お忙しいところ失礼いたします。” (o isogashii tokoro shitsurei itashimasu), which translates to “I apologize for interrupting you during your busy time.” This polite opener shows respect for the other person’s schedule and sets a courteous tone for the discussion.

Follow both of these with your company name and/or family name to finish the greeting.

Bonus Tip: In formal settings, using honorific nouns is a standard practice. For instance, instead of simply saying “telephone,” you might use “お電話” to convey respect. To explore more about Japanese honorifics and how to incorporate them into your language skills, check out this comprehensive guide.

Choosing the right words goes beyond mere vocabulary; it’s about fostering respect and establishing the right tone in conversations. For language learners, understanding the nuances of formal and polite Japanese is crucial. Online conversational Japanese lessons offer an excellent opportunity to practice these expressions, ensuring you communicate effectively and avoid any potential misunderstandings, especially over the phone.

Moshi moshi in action

Here are some example sentences to show you how you can use moshi moshi when talking on the phone.

• Casual call to a friend: “もしもし、はるか？今週末のパーティーは何時から？” (moshi moshi, Haruka? Konshū matsu no pātī wa nan ji kara?) = “Hi Haruka, what time is the party this weekend?”
• Contacting customer support: “もしもし、インターネットがつながらないのですが、サポートをお願いできますか？” (Moshi moshi, intānetto ga tsunagaranai no desu ga, sapōto o onegaidekimasu ka?) = “Hello, my internet isn’t connecting. Can I request support?”
• Scheduling a doctor’s appointment: “もしもし、山本クリニックですか？来週の月曜日に診察の予約をお願いできますか？” translates to, “Hello, is this Yamamoto Clinic? I’d like to schedule a consultation for next Monday.”
• **How to Reserve a Table at Sakura Sushi in Ginza**:
  Call Sakura Sushi in Ginza and say, “もしもし、銀座のさくら寿司ですか？今夜、二人のための席を予約したいんですが。” This translates to, “Hello, is this Sakura Sushi in Ginza? I’d like to make a reservation for two for tonight.”

Choose the right greeting for the right situation

“Moshi moshi” is a handy phrase for casual phone calls in Japan, but it’s not always the most appropriate choice. It’s essential to consider the context and your conversation partner when selecting your greeting. Navigating Japan’s intricate etiquette can be tricky, but with practice and guidance from LingualNeeds’ Japanese online tutors, you’ll master phone conversations like a pro in no time!