1The standard daytime greeting, equivalent to 'hello' or 'good afternoon'. Originally a clipped form of phrases like 「今日はご機嫌いかがですか」 ('how are you today...'); the final は is the topic particle, so it is pronounced わ but written は (writing こんにちわ is considered nonstandard). Used roughly from late morning until sunset — after おはよう and before こんばんは. Slightly formal in feel: typically used with acquaintances, neighbours, shopkeepers, or first-time meetings rather than family and close friends. Usually written in kana.
こんにちは、いいお天気ですね。
Hello — nice weather, isn't it?
お店に入ると、店員さんが笑顔で「こんにちは」と声をかけてくれた。
When I walked into the shop, the clerk greeted me with a smile and a 'konnichiwa'.
メールの冒頭に「こんにちは、田中です。」と書いて送った。
I started the email with 'Hello, this is Tanaka.' and sent it off.
公園で犬の散歩中の近所の方に「こんにちは」と挨拶した。
I greeted a neighbour walking their dog in the park with a 'konnichiwa'.
「こんにちは」は朝でも夜でもなく、昼間に使う挨拶です。
'Konnichiwa' is the greeting used in the daytime — not in the morning or at night.