You know that sound. “Moshi moshi!” Maybe from anime. Maybe from TV shows. Or when your Japanese friend picks up the phone. It sounds nice. Soft. Pretty cute too, right?
But wait. What’s it mean? And why say it twice?
Great question! “Moshi moshi” is super common in Japan. But here’s the thing. It’s not like “hello” for everything. You can’t just throw it around. It has its own special spot.
Let’s dig in. What’s “moshi moshi” mean? When do you use it? How do you say it right?
What Does Moshi Moshi Mean?
“Moshi moshi” (もしもし) means “hello.” But only one place – on the phone.
It’s nice and friendly. Like saying “Hey, I’m here!”
So your friend in Japan picks up. They go “Moshi moshi!” That means “I can hear you!”
But face to face? Nope. On the street you’d say “konnichiwa.” “Moshi moshi” is phone-only.
Why Do People Say It Twice?
Good catch! In Japanese, saying stuff twice makes it softer. Nicer.
Way back, people said “moushiagemasu.” That meant “I speak.” Over time it got shorter. “Moushi moushi.” Then “moshi moshi.”
Saying it twice is like checking. “Can you hear me? You there?”
Think about it:
You pick up. Say “Hello?”
No answer. You go “Hello?” again.
That’s what “moshi moshi” does. Nice and clear.
Where Moshi Moshi Comes From
This started way back. Late 1800s. Phones were brand new in Japan.
Nobody knew what to say! Some tried “oi oi” (like “hey hey”). But that was rude. So phone workers started with “moushiagemasu” – “I speak.”
It got shorter. “Moushi moushi.” Then “moshi moshi.”
Now? Everyone uses it. All over Japan.
How to Say Moshi Moshi Right
Here’s the sound:
Moshi moshi (もしもし)
Say it like: moh-shee moh-shee
Keep it soft. Happy. Don’t yell at them. Say it with a smile.
Try this:
Ring ring!
You: “Moshi moshi!”
Friend: “Ah, moshi moshi! Genki?” (Hey! How are you?)
See? Warm. Friendly. That’s the magic.
When to Use Moshi Moshi
Use it for these:
When You Pick Up the Phone
Most common use. Phone rings, you answer:
Moshi moshi!
Like saying “Hello, I’m here.”
Example:
You: “Moshi moshi?”
Caller: “Moshi moshi, Tanaka-san desu ka?” (Hello, is this Mr. Tanaka?)
When You Can’t Hear
Phone cuts out? Going quiet? Say “moshi moshi?” to check.
Example:
You: “Moshi moshi? You there?”
Just checking if they’re still on.
When Someone’s Spacing Out
Does my friend look sleepy? You can say “moshi moshi” to wake them up. Keep it fun though.
Example:
“Moshi moshi! Wake up!”
But not with your boss. Keep it casual.
When NOT to Use Moshi Moshi
Sometimes it’s wrong:
Don’t use it when:
- You meet someone in person
- Talking to your boss on calls
- In work meetings
For work calls, say:
- Hai, [company name] desu. (Hello, this is [company name].)
- Osewa ni natte orimasu. (Thanks for your help.)
“Moshi moshi” is too casual for work. Save it for friends and family.
How to Answer Back
Someone says “moshi moshi”? Say it back!
Example:
A: “Moshi moshi!”
B: “Moshi moshi! Konnichiwa!”
Easy and nice.
For work? Skip it. Say:
“Hai, Tanaka desu.” (Yes, this is Tanaka.)
Moshi Moshi in Shows and Movies
You hear it everywhere! Anime, movies, songs. It’s Japan’s sound!
Think about Naruto. Or Your Name. Phone rings? “Moshi moshi.” Feels real and warm.
Online jokes use it too:
“Moshi moshi? God desu.” (Hello? This is God.)
That’s a funny meme from Japan.
Even tourists love it. It’s like a piece of Japan you can say.
Other Ways to Say Hello in Japanese
Japan has lots of hellos:
| Time | Japanese | English |
| Morning | Ohayou gozaimasu | Good morning |
| Afternoon | Konnichiwa | Hello |
| Evening | Konbanwa | Good evening |
| Phone (casual) | Moshi moshi | Hello |
| Work phone | Hai / Osewa ni natte orimasu | Hello / Thanks |
See? “Moshi moshi” is just for casual calls.
Fun Facts About Moshi Moshi
- Phone only: Don’t walk up and say it. That’s weird.
- Wake-up check: Like “Hey, you listening?”
- Not formal: It’s friendly, not stiff.
- Ghost stories: Ghosts can’t say it twice. If you hear just “moshi” once, run! (Just a joke!)
- Police shows: Cops say “moshi moshi, keisatsu desu!” (Hello, police here!)
Small word. Big job.
Also Read: Fly Past Tense: Definition, Formula, and Easy Examples
Real Life Examples
Example 1:
Friend calls
You: “Moshi moshi?”
Friend: “Moshi moshi! Ima nani shiteru?” (Hey! What’s up?)
You: “Nothing! Bored. You?”
Example 2:
Calling mom
You: “Moshi moshi! Okaasan?”
Mom: “Hai, moshi moshi! Genki?” (Hello! You okay?)
Example 3:
Bad signal
You: “Moshi moshi? Moshi moshi? Hello?”
Caller: “Ah, hai! Bad signal!”
Example 4:
Friend dozing off
You: “Moshi moshi! Stay awake!”
Friend: “Haha, okay okay!”
See? It fits daily life.
Moshi Moshi Online
Even in texts, people write “moshi moshi” to get attention.
Example:
“Moshi moshi? Are you there?”
Like saying “hey” but cuter. With emojis too:
もしもし〜
That’s warm Japanese texting.
Making It More Polite
You can adjust it:
- Hai, moshi moshi. – A bit more polite.
- Moshi moshi, Tanaka desu. – “Hello, I’m Tanaka.”
- Hai, Tanaka desu. – Most polite for work.
Boss calling? Skip “moshi moshi.” Use “hai.”
Friend or family? “Moshi moshi!” is perfect.
Don’t Do This
- Don’t say it face to face.
- Don’t say it to your manager.
- Don’t answer “konnichiwa” with it.
Keep it for calls. Casual ones.
Quick Practice
Try these!
- Phone rings – you say ________ (Answer: Moshi moshi)
- Can’t hear friend – you say ________ (Answer: Moshi moshi?)
- Mom calls – you say ________ (Answer: Moshi moshi, okaasan!)
- Work call – don’t say ________ (Answer: Moshi moshi)
- Text a friend – say ________ (Answer: Moshi moshi! Genki?)
Easy, right?
Quick Review
| Topic | Key Point |
| Meaning | “Hello” for phone calls |
| Use when | Answering calls or checking sound |
| Don’t use when | Meeting in person or at work |
| Came from | “Moushiagemasu,” meaning “I speak” |
| Tone | Friendly and casual |
| Example | “Moshi moshi, can you hear me?” |
Wrapping Up
Now you get it! “Moshi moshi” isn’t just “hello.” It’s warm. Friendly. A nice way to say “I’m here” or “You there?”
It comes from being kind. It’s short. Sweet. Makes talks feel good.
Next time you hear it in anime? Or from a friend? You’ll know. It’s more than sound. It connects people.
So go on. Pick up that phone. Say it with a smile:
“Moshi moshi!”
Because in Japan, even hello has a heart.