We say “Good morning”, “Hello”, and “Thanks for your hard work” every day.
But have you ever thought about what the Japanese word 「挨拶（あいさつ）」 really means and where it came from?
In fact, 「挨拶（あいさつ）」 carries ideas of etiquette, care, and human connection. In this article, we look at its roots, how it changed through history, and how it compares with greetings around the world — in clear, learner‑friendly English.
The word comes from Zen Buddhism. 「挨」 means “to push; to draw near”, and 「拶」 means “to press; to approach and connect”.
Originally, it described an action: “opening your heart and moving closer to the other person”.
In Zen training, a master and disciple ask and answer questions to test insight. This is called 「一挨一拶（いちあい いっさつ）」 — not small talk, but a meeting of minds.
Later, the word spread and came to mean “words for meeting and parting” and “polite exchanges”.
At this time, actions showed respect more than words. Bowing and keeping a proper distance were important. Spoken phrases tended to be very formal, like “Welcome” or “How do you do?”.
Zen arrived from China, and 「挨拶（あいさつ）」 was first known in temple life. Over time it came to mean “response / exchange” outside temples too — the base of today’s “greeting”.
Among samurai, formal etiquette (「礼法（れいほう）」: manners and forms) developed, making social ranks clear.
Among commoners, daily life used warm words that kept people connected — in shops “Welcome”, at work “Thanks for your effort (「ご苦労さま」)”, and in neighborhoods “Thanks to you (「おかげさまで」)”.
Together, Edo‑period greetings grew on two pillars: samurai = etiquette; commoners = kindness.
From the Meiji era, schools, offices, and public institutions taught greetings as basic manners. Regional differences became smaller, and a shared style spread nationwide.
Modern greetings are more than form. They show respect and build connection. In both business and daily life, the first word is the first step toward a good relationship.
「挨拶（あいさつ）」 began as a Zen idea: “open your heart and step closer”. Through the ages — courtly manners, Zen dialogue, warm community ties, and modern education — today’s greetings carry long history and 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 shortens the distance between people.）
