Do the Japanese really say "Mooshi mooshi" when they pick up the phone?

Question

My dad says that the Japanese say "Mooshi mooshi" when they pick up the phone... is this true, and if so, what does it mean?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, but if you are thinking it is said as "moo she" you are gravely mistaken.
It is "moe she" and the correct romaji spelling is "moshi moshi".
Of course, they can also say other things just like we can, but it's the most usual term like "hello?" is for us.

Answer 2

Yes, they do say "moshi moshi" when answering the phone. It means "hello". Pls also note that "moshi moshi" is only limited to phone calls. You can't use it to greet someone on the street etc.

Just 1 additional note. Nowadays, the Japanese also tend to say "hai" when picking up the phone. It means "yes". But of course, it won't be just "hai". They'll say something like "hai, ～ desu", which means "yes, this is ～".

Answer 3

Yes, but it is spelt moshi not mooshi. It does not sound like a moo of a cow. They might just say moshi instead of moshi moshi.
Domo arigato.

Answer 4

Try ringing the Japanese Embassy, and see what They say.

Saynara, Ja Ne, Heiwa, Sumimasen.

Answer 5

Yes because it means Hello

Answer 6

yes, it is true..

see this clip...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QVP16MEMLY

you will hear moshi moshi..

but in this other clip....
watch in English version for Japanese callers...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oln39svAcyA&mode=related&search=

which do you think sounds nice? moshi moshi.....

sometimes they would say moshi moshi? to get the attention of the person they speak to..like hello? so it does not only refer to people answering the phone.. like westeners...they would say..hello are you still there?
hope this helps...

Answer 7

I believe it's "moshi moshi," and it basically translates to "hello." It's only used on the phone, apparently.

Answer 8

Well, yeah...but somehow I only see them use it on phones, I'm not Japanese...so i'm not 100% sure.....but Cambodian people in America say hello...hehe.

Answer 9

yes

Answer 10

Yes, it means "hello."