Moshi Moshi: Meaning and Japanese Phone Greetings
What もしもし means and how to choose a phone greeting for the situation.
What it means
もしもし (moshi moshi, hello on the telephone) can also mean excuse me when calling for attention. Learn the meaning with the situation.
Source: EDRDG JMdict, entry 1012550, checked 2026-10-17.
Business self-introductions
For a business greeting, identify yourself and your organization. Match the wording your workplace expects:
- Business incoming call: “はい、〇〇株式会社 の〇〇でございます” (Yes, this is [name] at [company name]).
- Business outgoing call: Open with “お世話に なっております” (thank you for your continued support), then identify yourself.
Alternatives
Casual alternatives Japanese speakers use:
- おーい (ōi): Yelling to someone at a distance. Not for the phone.
- はい (hai): Just “yes,” acknowledging the call.
- Saying your own name: Common in informal calls from saved contacts. They already know who it is.
Choose for the situation
Use the greeting and self-introduction that fit the call. The examples above are wording options, not a rule that one phrase is forbidden in every business conversation.
Common questions
Can I say moshi moshi in a business call?+
For a business greeting, identify yourself. For example, open with 'はい、〇〇会社です' (yes, this is X company) or a proper self-introduction.
What does moshi moshi mean?+
もしもし (moshi moshi) means hello on the telephone, or excuse me when calling for attention.
