Moshi moshi, or ????, is a common Japanese phrase that Japanese people use when picking up the phone. It's a casual greeting used for friends and family, like a ?hello?, but in fact means something entirely different! In English, it literally means something more like, ?to say to say?, or ?I speak I speak?.

"Moshi Moshi" (もしもし) is the standard Japanese telephone greeting, but its literal meaning is a polite, doubled form of the verb "mousu" (申す), which means "to say" or "to speak." Essentially, it translates to "I am speaking, I am speaking." Historically, it evolved from the phrase "moushimasu" used by telecommunications operators in the 1890s to catch the caller's attention through poor-quality lines. There is also a famous Japanese urban legend that foxes (kitsune) cannot say "Moshi Moshi" properly; thus, saying it twice was a way to prove you were a human and not a shapeshifting spirit trying to trick the person on the other end of the line. In 2026, it is used exclusively for phone calls; saying it in person to a friend is considered a joke or a way to ask, "Hello? Are you listening?"

In Japan, “Moshi Moshi” (もしもし) is a common telephone greeting, equivalent to saying “Hello?” when answering a call.

Here’s a deeper look at its meaning and usage:

Core Meaning & Usage

1. Primarily for Phones: It’s the standard way to start a telephone conversation, used by both the caller and the person answering to confirm the connection and attention. It’s polite but casual.
2. Getting Attention: It can also be used in person to gently get someone’s attention, especially if they seem distracted or their back is turned. It’s softer than saying “Sumimasen” (Excuse me) and implies, “Are you listening?”

Origins & Folklore

The phrase has interesting roots: Etymology: It likely comes from the polite verb “mōsu” (申す), meaning “to say.” “Moshi” is a conditional form, so “moshi moshi” essentially meant “if I may speak…” or “I’m going to speak.” This was used by telephone operators in the early Meiji era. Fun Folklore: A popular folk tale explains it as a way to ward off trickster creatures like kitsune (foxes) or tanuki (raccoon dogs), who were said to mimic human voices but couldn’t say “moshi moshi” correctly. Repeating it was a test to confirm you were speaking to a real human.

Important Nuances & Rules

• Don’t Use with Superiors: In very formal business calls or when speaking to someone of much higher status, it’s more appropriate to start with your company name and your name (e.g., “Hiroshima Bank no Tanaka de gozaimasu”).
• Not for General Greetings: You wouldn’t use “moshi