健二（けんじ）
Running into a neighbor
Kenji lives next door in your apartment building. You've said hello in the hallway a few times, and now you run into each other at the convenience store late at night.
こんばんは
konbanwa
Good evening.
The standard greeting after dark — say it first when you spot him.
あ、お隣さんですね
a, otonari-san desu ne
Oh, you're my neighbor, right?
Friendly recognition when you meet the person from next door outside the building.
お仕事の帰りですか
oshigoto no kaeri desu ka
On your way home from work?
Natural small talk to a working adult out late at night.
お疲れさまです
otsukaresama desu
You must be tired; thanks for your hard work.
Say it to someone coming home from work, or as a light goodbye.
では、また
dewa, mata
Well then, see you.
Polite, easy way to end the chat as you part at the store.
いらっしゃいませ
irasshaimase
Welcome (to the store).
What the clerk says when you walk in — you just hear it, no reply needed.