In Japan, there are various greetings to suit defferent situations. Here are some that are well worth remembering.
First, Tadaima (I’m home) and O-kaeri nasai (Welcome back).
As you are going out, you say Itte kimasu, which is equivalent to "Good bye." The person who is seeing you off says Itterasshai which is equivalent to "See you later."
Before you start eating a meal, you say Itadakimasu, meaning "I will eat." When you finish eating, you say Gochisô sama deshita, which means "Thank you for the meal." Gochisô sama deshita is also said to your host when you have been treated to a meal.
Finally, you say O-yasumi nasai before going to bed － "Good night." The reply is the same: O-yasumi nasai.
If you can master all these common greetings, the distance between you and the Japanese will shrink considerably!
