Autumn greetings
Autumn Greetings in Japan – Polite Phrases for the Season
Why Autumn Greetings Matter
In Japan, greetings reflect the seasons. Autumn greetings highlight the shift from summer heat to cooler days, and they express consideration for the wellbeing of others. Using the right phrase shows both cultural awareness and politeness.
Examples of Autumn Greetings
- Aki no kehai ga fukaku natte mairimashita (秋の気配が深くなってまいりました) – “The signs of autumn have deepened.”
- Kōyō no kisetsu ni narimashita (紅葉の季節になりました) – “It has become the season of autumn leaves.”
- Ogenki de irasshaimasu ka (お元気でいらっしゃいますか) – “How have you been keeping?” (with seasonal nuance).
Etiquette When Using Autumn Greetings
Seasonal greetings are often used in letters, emails, and formal communication. They may also appear at the beginning of speeches or business correspondence. Matching the phrasing with the time of year (early autumn vs. late autumn) shows extra care.