Moshi Moshi – what does it really mean? (2024)

FAQs

Moshi Moshi – what does it really mean? ›

First up, let's look at the word. 'Moshi Moshi' is an abbreviation of 'Mosu Mosu' (the Japanese verb 'to speak'). So, traditionally when you spoke out to someone, you would call them in this way.

“moshi moshi”, this is a greeting on the phone. “申します(moushimasu(I say))申します(moushimasu(I say))” was shortened to "moshi moshi." If the other person calls and says “moshi moshi”, you answer "hai hai."

Moshi Moshi is an informal telephone greeting in Japan that literally translates to “I speak, I speak”, or “I say, I say”.

When telephones began to be used in Japan, telephone operators were at work. When those who made calls wanted to make sure if their voices were reaching the operators, they said MÔSU, MÔSU. This is said to be the origin of MOSHIMOSHI.

Moshi moshi is the standard way to answer a phone call in Japan. You could think of mōshi mōshi as meaning "(I'm) speaking, (I'm) speaking", so it's a very appropriate first comment in a phone call.

And you can't use it for your higher ups. See, while moushimasu (申します) is the humble verb form, moshi moshi, though originally used to be polite, has evolved to be considered casual, general speech.

You're not going to use moshi moshi off the phone too much. But when you do it'll usually be to get someone's attention. If your friend is spacing out, you can wave your hand in front of their face and say, "moshi moshi."

moshi moshi, kikoemasu ka?), which means “Hello, can you hear me?” If you learn Japanese online, it's a useful phrase too. Because people have started using moshi moshi on video calls in the last few years too.

When someone greets you in Japanese with “Konnichiwa” it is best to respond with the same phrase “Konnichiwa”. Even though it means “Good afternoon” or “Hello” and is usually used around noon or in the afternoon, it is common to…

Both of the words are used in Japan. The reason why is that they are different in each meaning. "Moshi Moshi" means "hello" as answering the phone (or "excuse me" as calling to attention). "Konnichiwa" means "good afternoon" or "hello" as a casual greeting.

What does mushi mean in Chinese? ›

mù shī chaplain churchman clergyman parson pastor priest rector. Example Usage.

Moshi was originally born out of Mind Candy, which was founded by Michael Acton Smith (founder and CEO of Calm) who created an online entertainment platform for kids called Moshi Monsters.

General Greetings

When you enter restaurants and shops, you will hear all the staff say "irasshaimase" to say hello to the customer. Don't be afraid, the staff don't wait for any reply, but you can say thank you with a nod and a smile.

When answering a personal call on your own phone, the standard way to answer the phone is simply, 「もしもし」 (moshi moshi) which is the equivalent of the English “Hello”.

When someone greets you in Japanese with “Konnichiwa” it is best to respond with the same phrase “Konnichiwa”. Even though it means “Good afternoon” or “Hello” and is usually used around noon or in the afternoon, it is common to…