挨拶

• Reading: あいさつ
• Romaji: aisatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 挨 (ai) — push, press; 拶 (satsu) — be imminent, draw near
• Pronunciation: /a.i.sa.tsɯ/

Meaning

Greeting; salutation. A polite set phrase used when meeting or parting from someone.

Can function as a noun or as a する verb (挨拶する). Covers all forms of social greetings — from casual hello/goodbye to formal speeches at ceremonies. Proper 挨拶 is considered a fundamental social skill in Japanese culture.

Examples

1. 朝、先生に挨拶をした。 I greeted my teacher in the morning.
2. 新しい隣の人に挨拶に行きましょう。 Let's go say hello to the new neighbor.
3. 社長が会議の最初に挨拶をしました。 The company president gave a greeting at the start of the meeting.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, workplace, social situations

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Originally a Zen Buddhist term meaning to press closely in dialogue. The kanji 挨 means to push and 拶 means to draw near, referring to the exchange of words in greeting.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal