1. Introduction
When making a phone call in Japan, it is common for the speaker to say “moshi moshi” twice as a greeting. This double-greeting is an important part of Japanese culture and etiquette, and has been around for centuries. But why do Japanese people say hello twice on the phone? In this article, we will explore the cultural significance of saying “moshi moshi” twice, as well as the role of technology in Japanese communication.
2. Cultural Significance of Saying Hello Twice
The double-greeting of “moshi moshi” is an expression of respect and politeness. In Japan, people are expected to show respect to others by speaking slowly and clearly, using polite language, and by being mindful of their tone of voice. The double-greeting is a way to demonstrate these values when speaking on the phone. It also serves as a sign of acknowledgement that both parties are present and ready to communicate with each other.
3. Respectful Greeting
The expression “moshi moshi” can be translated literally as “hello hello” or “are you there?” It is thought that by saying hello twice, it shows that the speaker is taking extra care to make sure that the other person has heard them properly and that they are paying attention to what they are saying. This polite gesture also conveys respect for the other person by acknowledging their presence before beginning a conversation or exchange of information.
4. Acknowledging the Other Person’s Presence
By saying “moshi moshi” twice, it is also a way for both parties to acknowledge each other’s presence before beginning a conversation or exchange of information. This gesture conveys respect for the other person and shows that they are paying attention to what they are saying or asking.
5. Expressing Gratitude for Being Connected
In addition to expressing respect and politeness, saying hello twice on the phone can also be seen as expressing gratitude for being connected with another person through technology such as telephones or computers. In Japan, people often feel grateful when they are able to connect with someone over long distances using modern technology like phones or computers; thus, saying hello twice can be seen as expressing this appreciation for being connected with someone far away from them in time or space.
6. The Role of Technology in Japanese Communication
Technology plays an important role in Japanese communication; from cell phones to video conferencing systems like Skype, technology allows people in Japan to stay connected with family members who live far away from them geographically or temporally (e.g., due to work). As such, when making a phone call in Japan it is not uncommon for both parties to express their gratitude for being able connect with each other through technology by exchanging a double-greeting such as “moshi moshi” at the beginning of their conversation/exchange of information/etc..
7. Japanese Etiquette and Formal Greetings
In addition to expressing gratitude through double-greetings like “moshi moshi” on the phone, Japanese etiquette also dictates that formal greetings should be exchanged before beginning any kind of conversation between two people who have not met face-to-face yet (e.g., when meeting someone new). These formal greetings usually involve exchanging one’s name followed by an honorific title such as -san (Mr./Ms.) or -sama (Lord/Lady). Thus, when making a phone call in Japan it is not uncommon for both parties involved in the conversation/exchange of information/etc.,to exchange formal greetings before beginning their discussion/exchange of information/etc..
8 Conclusion
In conclusion, Japanese people say hello twice on the phone because it conveys respect and politeness towards one another while at same time expressing gratitude for being able connect with each other through technology like phones or computers over long distances – something which has become increasingly common since modern telecommunications were introduced into Japan during Meiji era (1868–1912). Moreover, formal greetings should always be exchanged between two individuals who have not yet met face-to-face (e.g., when meeting someone new) regardless if they are speaking on the phone or not – this too has become an integral part of Japanese etiquette over time due its importance within traditional culture & customs found throughout Japan today..
9 Sources
https://www3dinsidersguidesjapancom/why-do-japanese-people-say-hello-twice/ https://wwwjapantimescojp/culture/2012/05/25/language/theres_more_than_one_way_to_say_hello/#:~:text=%E3%82%82%E3%81%97%E3%82%82%E3%81%A7-,It’s&text=Moshimoshidoumoisusedwhenyou’respeakingonaphoneorothertelecommunicationdevice.,thepersonontheothersideofthatsamephonecallinJapanwouldreplyMoshimoshidoumoi
Why do the Japanese say hello twice?
Its actually an abbreviation/overtone of 神す mousu which is a subform of the -. Moshi Moshi can also be used to get the attention of someone who isnt paying attention or to give a blank greeting to see if someone has returned.
Why do Japanese answer the phone with Moshi Moshi?
Telephone operators were on duty when telephones came into use in Japan. Callers say MÔSU MÔSU when they want to make sure their voice reaches the operator. It is said to be of Moshimoshi origin.
What does Moshi Mosh means?
Moshi Moshi History and Usage The Moshi moshi greeting (もゎもも) does not actually mean hello. This expression is derived from the verb 申す (もうす) which means to speak. So the word moshi moshi can be translated as I will speak now.
What should I reply to Moshi Moshi?
So the common telephone greeting was oi oi [oi oi] or Hey You! The other person replies with Hello Yogojimasu or Higozansu.
What does Ara Ara mean in Japanese?
Oh me, oh my
Ara ara (あら あら) is a Japanese expression that is mainly used by older females and means “My my”, “Oh dear”, or “Oh me, oh my”.
What does Domo Arigato mean?
thank you very much
When you buy something at a store, store clerk would say DOMO ARIGATOU, meaning thank you very much.
