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22/10/2025
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Aisatsu: Meaning and Origins — A Japanese word that opens the heart
Kotoba Drill Editor
Introduction
We say “Good morning”, “Hello”, and “Thank you for your hard work” every day. But have you ever considered what the Japanese word 「挨拶（あいさつ）」 really means and where it originated?
「挨拶（あいさつ）」 carries ideas of courtesy, care, and human connection. This article explains its roots, historical changes, and cross‑cultural differences in clear, learner‑friendly English.
What does 「挨拶（あいさつ）」 mean and where is it from?
The word comes from Zen Buddhism. 「挨」 means “to push; draw near”, and 「拶」 means “to press; approach and connect”. Originally it described an action: opening your heart and moving closer to another person.
In Zen training, a master and disciple exchange questions to test insight, called 「一挨一拶（いちあい いっさつ）」。 It is not small talk, but a meeting of minds.
Later, the word spread to mean words for meeting and parting, and polite exchanges.
A short history of Japanese greetings
Nara / Heian: manners over words
Respect was shown more through actions than speech. Bowing and keeping distance mattered, and phrases were very formal.
Kamakura–Muromachi: with Zen, the term spreads
With Zen from China, 「挨拶（あいさつ）」 became known in temple life, and later meant “response/exchange” more broadly — the base of today’s “greeting”.
Azuchi–Momoyama / Edo: etiquette and warmth
- Samurai society refined formal etiquette (「礼法（れいほう）」).
- Commoners used warm, practical phrases that kept communities connected (e.g., 「ご苦労さま」「おかげさまで」).
Meiji–Showa: standardisation through education
Schools, offices, and public institutions taught greetings as basic manners, making styles more uniform nationwide.
Today: beyond form
Modern greetings show respect and build connection. The first word is the first step toward a good relationship.
Greetings worldwide (word and nuance)
| Language | Representative word | Literal meaning | Nuance | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ja-JP | 「挨拶」 | push + approach | etiquette; open heart | 🏯 East Asia (ritual) |
| zh-CN / zh-TW | 问候 / 問候 | ask and bless | considerate ritual | 🏯 East Asia (ritual) |
| ko-KR | 인사 | person + act | respect; courtesy | 🏯 East Asia (ritual) |
| th-TH | ทักทาย | call out + be friendly | friendliness | 🌴 Southeast Asia (affinity) |
| vi-VN | chào | from “invite” | polite warmth | 🌴 Southeast Asia (affinity) |
| fil-PH | pagbati | congratulate / welcome | shared joy | 🌴 Southeast Asia (affinity) |
| id-ID / ms-MY | salam | peace | calm; blessing | ☪️ Islamic culture |
| my-MM | မင်္ဂလာပါ | wish auspiciousness | wishing good fortune | 🕉 South Asia (spiritual) |
| si-LK | ආයුබෝවන් | wish long life | blessing | 🕉 South Asia (spiritual) |
| bn-BD | নমস্কার | respectful salutation | reverent courtesy | 🕉 South Asia (spiritual) |
| ne-NP / en-IN | नमस्ते / namaste | bow to the divinity in you | respect; spirituality | 🕉 South Asia (spiritual) |
| en-US | hello / greeting | call to begin | start of conversation | 🌎 West (practical) |
Callout
Across cultures, the “first word” matters. Languages differ, but care for others is shared.
Groups of greetings (summary)
| Group | Region | Feature | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏯 East Asia (ritual) | Japan / China / Korea | courtesy and social order | 「挨拶」、问候、인사 |
| 🌴 Southeast Asia (affinity) | Thailand / Vietnam / Philippines | friendliness and harmony | ทักทาย、chào、pagbati |
| ☪️ Islamic culture | Indonesia / Malaysia | peace and blessing | salam |
| 🕉 South Asia (spiritual) | India / Nepal / Sri Lanka / Myanmar | respect and spirituality | नमस्ते、ආයුබෝවන්、မင်္ဂလာပါ |
| 🌎 West (practical) | Europe / Americas | entry to conversation | hello, hi, good morning |
Useful Japanese greetings (basic phrases)
- 「おはようございます」 (Good morning)
- 「こんにちは」 (Good afternoon)
- 「こんばんは」 (Good evening)
- 「はじめまして」 (Nice to meet you)
- 「よろしくお願いします」 (Thank you in advance / Please be kind)
- 「ありがとうございます／ありがとうございました」 (Thank you / Thank you very much)
- 「すみません」 (I’m sorry / Excuse me)
- 「お疲れ様です」 (Thank you for your effort)
Note
A short greeting at the beginning of a mail or message makes it kinder and easier to read.
Conclusion
「挨拶（あいさつ）」 began as a Zen idea: opening one’s heart and stepping closer. Through history, it became a daily practice that carries culture.
挨拶とは、ことばだけでなく、心の動きです。（A greeting is not only words; it is a movement of the heart.） 小さなひと言が、人と人の距離を近づけます。（A small word brings people closer.）
📝 Glossary (learner‑friendly)
- 「禅（ぜん）」: Zen Buddhism; quietly observing the mind.
- 「一挨一拶（いちあい いっさつ）」: master–disciple dialogue to test insight.
- 「礼法（れいほう）」: formal manners and deportment.
- 「庶民（しょみん）」: ordinary people; not nobles or samurai.
- 「標準化（ひょうじゅんか）」: making forms consistent nationwide.
