From the adjective 早い (hayai, “early”) in its adverbial form はよう, combined with the polite verb ございます.
From the adjective 早い (hayai, “early”) in its adverbial form はよう, combined with the polite verb ございます.
What does おはようございます mean?
おはようございます means “good morning”, a polite way to greet someone in the morning.
When should I use おはようございます instead of おはよう?
おはようございます is used in formal or semi‑formal situations, such as with strangers, colleagues, or superiors, while おはよう is for friends or close acquaintances.
Can I say おはようございます after noon?
No, after noon you should switch to こんにちは or こんばんは, depending on the time.
Is おはようございます appropriate in emails?
Yes, starting a morning email with おはようございます shows politeness, but in very casual emails you may use おはよう.
How do I pronounce おはようございます?
It is pronounced o‑ha‑yo‑u go‑za‑i‑ma‑su, with a long “o” and a soft “u” at the end.
What is the difference between おはようございます and ごきげんよう?
おはようございます is a morning greeting, while ごきげんよう is a more old‑fashioned, all‑day greeting meaning “good health”.