Here are five formal and informal Japanese greetings one could use while in Okinawa when speaking with locals.
Check your surroundings and use what you feel most comfortable with! I'm sure that many Japanese will love a greeting from you, nonetheless.
- Haisai – informal
Native to Okinawa, this is used as a casual greeting among friends and relatives. It is mostly a friendly greeting to be given or received that can mean "hi", "hello", or even, "How are you?" - Ohayo Gozaimasu – formal
Often shortened to the informal ohayo, or "'mornin", it is a greeting used to say "good morning". It can also be used at work regardless of the time. - Konnichiwa – formal
This is used as a general greeting as "good afternoon" and used throughout the day though is typically used until darkness arrives. - Konbanwa – formal
A formal way of saying "good evening" and is usually used until dawn arrives. - Genki desu ka? – (in)formal
A phrase asking, "How are you?" However, it can be shortened and more often used as just, "Genki?" You can also make this phrase more polite and formal by adding o- to the beginning too: "o-genki desu ka?"
Check your surroundings and use what you feel most comfortable with! I'm sure that many Japanese will love a greeting from you, nonetheless.
