JLPT N1

拝啓

はいけい

-- a formal greeting used at the beginning of a letter --

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

拝

Radical: —

啓

Radical: —

Usage of 拝啓

'拝啓' is a very formal and respectful greeting used exclusively at the beginning of written letters in Japanese. It sets a polite tone and is typically followed by seasonal greetings or expressions of concern for the recipient's well-being.

Context and Register

This word is mainly used in business correspondence, official communications, or formal personal letters. It is not used in casual emails or informal notes.

Common Collocations

  • 拝啓 + seasonal greeting (e.g., 春暖の候): to politely acknowledge the season
  • 拝啓 + 相手の健康を気遣う言葉: to show care for the recipient's health
  • 拝啓 + 敬具 (at the end): pairs with the closing phrase 敬具 for a complete formal letter

Tips for Learners

Avoid using 拝啓 in casual or spoken contexts. Also, remember that it is always placed at the very start of the letter, never in the middle. Confusing it with casual greetings like こんにちは will sound unnatural and overly formal in the wrong setting.

Example Sentences

はいけい、しゅんだんのこう、みなさまにはますますごせいえいのこととおよろこびもうしあげます。

Dear Sir/Madam, with the arrival of spring, I am pleased to hear of your continued prosperity.

はいけいをつかうのは、ビジネスやフォーマルなてがみのきほんです。

Using '拝啓' is fundamental in business and formal letters.

はいけいのあとは、きせつのあいさつやあいてのけんこうをきづかうことばをつづけるのがいっぱんてきです。

After '拝啓', it is common to continue with seasonal greetings or words expressing concern for the recipient's health.