挨拶

Reading

Kana: あいさつ

Romaji: aisatsu

Definitions

noun

vs

adj-no

1

greeting; greetings; salutation; salute; polite set phrase used when meeting or parting from somebody

2

polite set phrase used to express apology, sympathy, congratulations, etc.

3

speech (congratulatory or appreciative); address

4

reply; response

5

revenge; retaliation

Note: slang

exp

6

a fine thing to say (used as part of a sarcastic response to a rude remark)

See also: 御挨拶

7

dialoging (with another Zen practitioner to ascertain their level of enlightenment)

Note: orig. meaning

See also: 一挨一拶

Kanji

挨

Readings: アイ、 ひら.く

Meanings: approach, draw near, push open

拶

Readings: サツ、 せま.る

Meanings: be imminent, draw close

Example Sentences

挨拶(あいさつ)に困(こま)った。

➥I was at a loss for an answer.

それはご挨拶(あいさつ)ですね。

➥That's a cheerful remark.

彼(かれ)らは、私(わたし)に挨拶(あいさつ)をした。

➥They paid their compliment to me.

道(みち)で先生(せんせい)に挨拶(あいさつ)する。

➥I greet my teacher on the street.

彼(かれ)はその婦人(ふじん)に挨拶(あいさつ)した。

➥He greeted the lady.

彼(かれ)らは新年(しんねん)の挨拶(あいさつ)をした。

➥They exchanged the New Year's greeting.