Japanese word

拝啓

Pronunciation

Romajihaikei

Meaning

  • nounDear Sir or Madam

Example

拝啓、お問い合わせの件についてご連絡いたします。hai kei o to i a wa se no ken ni tsu i te go ren raku i ta shi ma su

Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing about your inquiry.

Illustration for 拝啓 (Dear Sir or Madam)

More examples

ビジネスレターでは、冒頭に拝啓と書き、最後に敬具を添えます。bi ji ne su re tā de wa bō tō ni hai kei to ka ki sai go ni kei gu o so e ma su

In a business letter, write Dear Sir or Madam at the beginning and add Sincerely at the end.

Core concept

Marks the formal opening of a letter addressed respectfully to an unnamed recipient.

Common phrases

  • 拝啓、hai kei

    Dear Sir or Madam

Similar words

謹啓kinkei: A formal letter opening that expresses humility toward the recipient.
拝復haifuku: A formal opening used when replying to a letter.
前略zenryaku: A letter opening that omits the usual greeting and moves directly to the main subject.

Definition in Japanese

手紙の冒頭に記して、相手への敬意を表すあいさつの言葉。te gami no bō tō ni shiru shi te ai te e no kei i o arawa su a i sa tsu no koto ba

Word origin

拝啓 (haikei) combines 拝 (hai, "worship") and 啓 (kei, "inform"), expressing respectful communication at the start of a letter.

Usage tips

  • In formal Japanese letters, 拝啓 (haikei) is paired with 敬具 (keigu) at the end, much like a formal opening and closing in English correspondence.

Other meanings

  • To Whom It May Concernnoun

Word lists with this word