What’s the best way to greet my partner’s parents in Japanese?

[EmilyR]

I’ve realized I feel a bit awkward and overly formal when I have to greet my partner’s parents in their native language, which is Japanese. I’m never sure if a simple “Konnichiwa” is too casual or distant for people I’m now close to, but using their actual first names feels far too forward.

[AbigailMT]

I get that mix of stiff and casual. When I met my partner's parents I kept it simple: 'ohayou gozaimasu' in the morning or 'konnichiwa' after noon, with a small bow, and then we shifted to English. It felt safer than trying to pin down the perfect line.

[Jeffrey_C]

I asked my partner how they'd like to be addressed. They said surnames with san are normal, so I started using 'Sato-san' rather than the given name, and that dropped the awkwardness a notch.

[TimothyQR]

Maybe the issue isn't the wording at all, but feeling safe enough to be imperfect in front of them. Do you think the real problem is belonging, not the sentence you mutter?

[Amelia.C]

One time I wandered into the kitchen with a story ready, forgot the form, and winged a smile. They smiled back and we talked about takeout instead. It wasn't perfect, but it loosened things up.