By the HalfKey team
Greeting neighbours in a Tokyo apartment building
A brief hello is a comfortable starting point when you meet someone in your apartment building. Learn a few useful phrases, ask your host about any arrival introductions, and leave room for neighbours who prefer a quiet nod.
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A brief hello and a small nod are a good start when you pass a neighbour in a Tokyo apartment building. You don't need a long introduction every time you share a lift.
挨拶 (aisatsu) means a greeting or acknowledgement. A few phrases will help at the entrance, in the corridor or when someone makes room for your bags.
Three greetings are enough to begin
| Situation | A phrase you can use |
|---|---|
| Morning greeting | おはようございます: ohayō gozaimasu, good morning |
| Daytime greeting | こんにちは: konnichiwa, hello |
| Evening greeting | こんばんは: konbanwa, good evening |
| Passing someone or getting attention | すみません: sumimasen, excuse me |
| Someone helps you | ありがとうございます: arigatō gozaimasu, thank you |
Speak at an ordinary, quiet volume. If someone returns only a nod, you can leave the exchange there. Save these phrases on your phone if you'd like help remembering them for the first few days.
In the lift and entrance
Say hello, let people exit before entering and keep your bags clear of the doors. If someone starts chatting and you'd like to respond, go ahead. A quiet lift ride is fine too.
Use sumimasen when you need to pass, and arigatō gozaimasu when someone holds the door or makes room. These brief exchanges are enough for people you meet in passing.
Ask about moving-in introductions
A moving-in greeting is called 引っ越しの挨拶 (hikkoshi no aisatsu). For a monthly apartment, a hello in the hallway may be all you need. One Life's moving-in guide treats formal neighbour introductions as optional for a temporary stay, while encouraging greetings when you cross paths. Follow any specific arrival advice from your host; you don't need to arrange door-to-door visits just because you're staying for a month.
If an introduction is appropriate, you can keep it short:
はじめまして。○号室の○○です。よろしくお願いします。
Hajimemashite. ○-gōshitsu no ○○ desu. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
Hello, I'm [name] in apartment [number]. Nice to meet you.
Introducing yourself to housemates
In a shared home, an introduction also helps you agree how to handle shared tasks. At Sakura House, for example, shared areas receive weekly cleaning, but share-house residents still take turns with the rubbish. When you meet your housemates, ask where the schedule is and when your turn falls. Having a cleaner doesn't mean every shared job is taken care of.
If the rubbish instructions are unclear, ask staff to show you the collection point and schedule. The short-stay rubbish guide explains how the ward calendar and building instructions fit together.
Meeting the building staff
Your arrival instructions may include meeting the 管理人 (kanrinin, building manager or caretaker). The introduction above works here too. Ask your rental company who handles building questions and repairs so you know whom to contact later.
If you need help understanding a notice, show a photograph of it. A translation app or written message can make the conversation easier.
Responding to a noise concern
A notice addressed to the whole building is a reminder to check your own routine. If someone contacts you directly, lower or stop the sound and ask what was heard and when, using the rental company's contact if needed.
If you've made noise, you can say:
うるさくしてしまい、すみませんでした。
Urusaku shite shimai, sumimasen deshita.
I'm sorry for making noise.
Then explain what you'll change. If overnight calls are part of your schedule, the midnight meetings guide can help you choose a place to take them.