How to say "salute" in Japanese

• 敬礼けいれいCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbThe salute as a formal gesture of respect, such as a soldier's salute, with the related sense of a respectful bow; it points to the gesture itself rather than a greeting in words.
• 迎えるむかえるJLPT N4approx.Common
  ichidan verb, transitive verbA verb for going out to meet, receiving, or welcoming someone; it matches 'salute' only in the sense of greeting or welcoming an arrival, never the salute as a gesture.
  医者いしゃを迎むかえにやったとき彼かれが病気びょうきになって１週間しゅうかんたっていた。↗

  He had been ill for a week when they sent for a doctor.
• 挨拶あいさつJLPT N4approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbA greeting or salutation in words; use it when 'salute' means saying hello or exchanging greetings, not for a physical salute or a gesture of respect.
  彼女かのじょはにっこり挨拶あいさつをした。↗

  She greeted us with a smile.
• 挙手きょしゅCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbReally means the act of raising a hand; as a rendering of 'salute' it works only for a salute made by raising the hand, and 敬礼 remains the word for the gesture of respect.

Use 敬礼 for the formal salute as a gesture, 挨拶 for a greeting or salutation in words, 「迎える」 when 'salute' means to meet or welcome someone, and 挙手 only for raising a hand.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 敬礼けいれいsalute
• 迎えるむかえるto go out to meet
• 挨拶あいさつgreeting
• 頭が下がるあたまがさがるto admire greatly
• 礼砲れいほう(gun) salute
• 挙手きょしゅsalute