Universal
Cultural · Greeting
You
会釈は約15度、ふつうのお辞儀は約30度、深いお礼は45度以上が目安です。
えしゃくはやくじゅうごど、ふつうのおじぎはやくさんじゅうど、ふかいおれいはよんじゅうごどいじょうがめやすです。
A slight nod is about 15 degrees, a regular bow about 30, and a deep bow of gratitude 45 degrees or more.
Romaji: Eshaku wa yaku juu-go-do, futsuu no o-jigi wa yaku sanjuu-do, fukai o-rei wa yonjuu-go-do ijou ga meyasu desu. / Reply Romaji: Naruhodo! Kiwotsukete mite mimasu.
Reply
なるほど！気をつけて見てみます。
なるほど！きをつけてみてみます。
I see! I'll pay attention to that from now on.
Gesture & etiquette
Demonstrate each bow depth as you explain — 15° is barely a nod, 30° is a clear bow from the waist, 45° shows the back of your neck. Keep your back straight and eyes down during the bow. Women often bow with hands clasped in front; men keep arms at their sides.
These three bow depths cover most situations: 会釈 (eshaku, 15°) for passing someone in the corridor; 普通のお辞儀 (30°) for greetings, introductions, and thanks; 深いお礼 (45°+) for sincere apologies or receiving exceptional kindness. In deeply formal apologies (dogeza — full prostration), the forehead touches the ground — reserved for very serious situations.