This is a very polite way to start a letter. It means something like 'Dear Sir or Madam'. You always use it with 'keigu' at the end of the letter.
拝啓Primary
This is a very polite way to start a letter. It means something like 'Dear Sir or Madam'. You always use it with 'keigu' at the end of the letter.
拝啓 時下ますますご清栄のこととお慶び申し上げます。
Dear Sir/Madam, I hope this letter finds you well and prospering.
拝啓 先生にはお変わりなくお過ごしのことと存じます。
Dear Professor, I trust you have been keeping well.
拝啓 先日は心のこもったお祝いをいただき、誠にありがとうございました。
Dear [Recipient], Thank you very much for the thoughtful gift you sent the other day.
拝啓 先日お送りいただいた資料ですが、一点、まだ理解できていない部分がございます。
Dear Sir/Madam, Regarding the documents you sent the other day, there is one part that I do not yet understand.
拝啓 陽春の候、皆様におかれましては益々ご健勝のこととお慶び申し上げます。
Dear All, In this fine spring season, I wish you all continued good health and prosperity.
拝啓 is a very formal start. For even more respect, use 謹啓. If you want to be quick, use 前略. 'いつもお世話になっております' is a common business greeting. But it is not as formal as 拝啓.
Don't use this when you skip greetings. For example, do not write a letter with just 拝啓 and then your main message. You must add a season's greeting. Then ask about their health. After that, you can write your main message.
Use this when you start a formal letter. It is like saying 'Dear Sir/Madam'. You must use 敬具 (keigu) at the end of the letter.
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More formal alternatives(2)
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