How to Introduce Yourself in Japanese

Introducing yourself properly is one of the most essential skills in Japanese. Whether in a formal business setting or casual conversation, knowing how to introduce yourself correctly helps you make a good first impression.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• Polite and casual self-introduction phrases
• Key grammar structures for self-introductions
• Japanese cultural etiquette tips
• How to personalize your introduction with hobbies, nationality, and interests

Introduce Yourself in Japanese 

Introducing yourself in Japanese is simple and polite with phrases like "はじめまして" (Hajimemashite - Nice to meet you) and "私の名前は [your name] です" (Watashi no namae wa [your name] desu - My name is [your name]). These basics help make a great first impression!

1. The Standard Self-Introduction (Jikoshoukai – 自己紹介)

In Japan, introductions typically follow a set structure, especially in formal settings. Here are two types of self-introductions:

Formal Introduction (Polite & Business Situations)

Use this format in workplaces, meetings, or when speaking to elders.

• Sentence Structure:
  ◼ はじめまして。 [Your Name] です。 [Your Job/Role] です。 よろしくお願いします。
  (Hajimemashite. [Your Name] desu. [Your Job/Role] desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.)
• Example:
  はじめまして。田中健です。会社員です。よろしくお願いします。
  (Hajimemashite. Tanaka Ken desu. Kaishain desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.)
• 🇯🇵 English Translation:
  "Nice to meet you. I’m Ken Tanaka. I’m a company employee. Please take care of me."

Casual Introduction (Friends & Informal Situations)

Use this when meeting friends, classmates, or on social occasions.

🎤 Sentence Structure:
◼ はじめまして。 [Your Name] だよ。 [Your Hobby/Interest] が好き。 よろしく。
(Hajimemashite. [Your Name] dayo. [Your Hobby/Interest] ga suki. Yoroshiku!)

💡 Example:
はじめまして。さくらだよ。アニメが好き。よろしく。
(Hajimemashite. Sakura dayo. Anime ga suki. Yoroshiku!)

🇯🇵 English Translation:
"Nice to meet you. I’m Sakura. I like anime. Let’s be friends!"

Start your journey with the JLPT Preparation Guide for Beginners, which offers a step-by-step plan, including study schedules and resource recommendations.

2. Breaking Down the Key Phrases

🎤 はじめまして (Hajimemashite) – "Nice to meet you" (Used only the first time you meet someone).
🎤 [Name] です ([Name] desu) – "I am [Name]" (Polite).
🎤 [Name] だよ ([Name] dayo) – "I’m [Name]" (Casual).
🎤 [Job/Hobby] です ([Job/Hobby] desu) – "I am a [Job]" or "I like [Hobby]".
🎤 よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) – "Please be kind to me" (Polite).
🎤 よろしく！ (Yoroshiku!) – "Let’s get along!" (Casual).

3. Adding More Personal Details to Your Introduction

To make your introduction more engaging, you can include:

• Your country/nationality
• Your hobbies/interests
• Your reason for learning Japanese

Examples:
🎤 Where you’re from:
◼ アメリカから来ました。 (America kara kimashita.) – "I’m from the U.S."

🎤 Your hobby:
◼ 映画を見るのが好きです。 (Eiga o miru no ga suki desu.) – "I like watching movies."

🎤 Learning Japanese:
◼ 日本語を勉強しています。 (Nihongo o benkyou shiteimasu.) – "I am studying Japanese."

4. Japanese Culture & Etiquette Tips

✅ Bowing (お辺儀 – Ojigi): A small bow is polite when introducing yourself.
✅ Light Handshakes: Unlike Western cultures, firm handshakes are uncommon.
✅ Using Honorifics: Add さん (san) after someone’s last name.
✅ Avoid Overusing "Watashi": Japanese often omit "I" (Watashi 私).

Now that you know how to introduce yourself in Japanese, practice with native speakers or language exchange partners! Want audio examples? Let me know! 

Start your journey with the JLPT Preparation Guide for Beginners, which offers a step-by-step plan, including study schedules and resource recommendations.

FAQS

1. What is the most common way to introduce myself in Japanese?
In formal settings, you can say:
➡ はじめまして。 [Your Name] です。 [Your Job/Role] です。 よろしくお願いします。
(Hajimemashite. [Your Name] desu. [Your Job/Role] desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.)
For casual situations, you can use:
➡ はじめまして。 [Your Name] だよ。 [Your Hobby] が好き。 よろしく！
(Hajimemashite. [Your Name] dayo. [Your Hobby] ga suki. Yoroshiku!)

2. What does "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu" mean?
"よろしくお願いします" (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) is a polite phrase that means "Please take care of me" or "Let’s have a good relationship." In casual settings, you can shorten it to よろしく！ (Yoroshiku!), meaning "Let’s get along!"

3. Should I bow when introducing myself in Japan?
Yes, a slight bow (お辞儀 – Ojigi) is customary when introducing yourself in Japan, especially in formal situations. Handshakes are not very common, but light handshakes may be acceptable in business settings.

4. How do I introduce my nationality in Japanese?
You can say:
➡ アメリカから来ました。 (America kara kimashita.) – "I’m from the U.S."
➡ インド出身です。 (Indo shusshin desu.) – "I’m from India."
➡ フランス人です。 (Furansu-jin desu.) – "I’m French."

5. Can I use "Watashi" (I) in my introduction?
Although "私は" (Watashi wa) means "I am," Japanese speakers often omit the subject if it is clear from context. Instead of saying "私は田中です" (Watashi wa Tanaka desu), it is more natural to simply say "田中です" (Tanaka desu).