How to Give Introduction in Japanese – Beginner’s Easy Guide

Introducing yourself the right way is a very important step when learning Japanese. In Japan, first impressions carry a lot of weight, and the way you present yourself — especially through polite language and etiquette — can leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re meeting friends, joining a new workplace, traveling, or studying, knowing how to give an introduction in Japanese will help you connect more naturally with people.

In this guide, we'll cover self-introduction in Japanese for both casual and formal situations. You’ll learn key phrases, cultural etiquette tips, and simple structures to make a great first impression. Mastering these basics will boost your confidence and open doors to deeper communication as you continue your Japanese journey!

How to Give Introduction in Japanese: Key Phrases and Etiquette

1. Basic Self-Introduction (Jikoshoukai - 自己紹介)

A simple self-introduction includes your name, nationality, and a polite greeting.

Basic Self-Introduction Example:

➡ はじめまして！(Hajimemashite!) – Nice to meet you! ➡ 私は[Your Name]です。(Watashi wa [Your Name] desu.) – I am [Your Name]. ➡ [Country] から来ました。( [Country] kara kimashita.) – I come from [Country]. ➡ よろしくお願いします！(Yoroshiku onegai shimasu!) – Please treat me well / Nice to meet you.

Example:

はじめまして！私はアリです。アメリカから来ました。よろしくお願いします！ (Hajimemashite! Watashi wa Ari desu. Amerika kara kimashita. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu!)

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2. Formal Self-Introduction

When introducing yourself in a business or formal setting, you should use more polite language.

➡ 初めまして、[Your Name]と申します。(Hajimemashite, [Your Name] to moushimasu.) – Nice to meet you, my name is [Your Name]. ➡ [Company/School Name] で働いています。( [Company/School Name] de hataraite imasu.) – I work at [Company/School]. ➡ どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。(Douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.) – It’s a pleasure to meet you (very polite).

Example:

初めまして、田中と申します。ABC会社で働いています。どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。 (Hajimemashite, Tanaka to moushimasu. ABC Kaisha de hataraite imasu. Douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.)

3. Casual Self-Introduction (For Friends & Social Settings)

In informal settings, you can be more relaxed and use casual language.

➡ やあ！(Yaa!) – Hey! ➡ [Your Name] だよ！([Your Name] dayo!) – I’m [Your Name]! (Casual) ➡ [Country] から来たよ！([Country] kara kita yo!) – I’m from [Country]! ➡ よろしくね！(Yoroshiku ne!) – Nice to meet you (Casual)

Example:

やあ！タケシだよ！東京から来たよ！よろしくね！ (Yaa! Takeshi dayo! Tokyo kara kita yo! Yoroshiku ne!)

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4. Adding Personal Details

To make your introduction more engaging, you can include details like hobbies, interests, or profession.

➡ 趣味は[Your Hobby] です。(Shumi wa [Your Hobby] desu.) – My hobby is [Your Hobby]. ➡ [Activity] が好きです。( [Activity] ga suki desu.) – I like [Activity]. ➡ [Job Title] です。( [Job Title] desu.) – I am a [Job Title].

Example:

趣味はサッカーです。旅行が好きです！ (Shumi wa sakkaa desu. Ryokou ga suki desu!) (My hobby is soccer. I like traveling!)

5. Cultural Etiquette for Self-Introductions

• Bowing (Ojigi) is common when introducing yourself in Japan.
• Use polite speech (especially in business settings).
• "Yoroshiku onegai shimasu" doesn’t have a direct English translation, but it’s an important phrase to end your introduction politely.

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FAQs

1. What is the most important phrase when introducing yourself in Japanese? “Hajimemashite” (Nice to meet you) and “Yoroshiku onegai shimasu” (Please treat me well) are essential phrases.

2. Should I use “Watashi wa” in my introduction? Yes, but in casual settings, you can drop it and simply say your name, e.g., “Tanaka desu.”

3. How do I introduce myself in a business setting? Use the more formal “Moushimasu” for your name and a polite closing like “Douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.”

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4. How do I say my age in Japanese? Use “[Your Age] sai desu.” Example: “Watashi wa 25 sai desu” (I am 25 years old).

5. How can I practice self-introduction in Japanese? Practice by recording yourself, using language apps, or speaking with native speakers on platforms like iTalki or HelloTalk.

With these phrases and tips, you can confidently introduce yourself in Japanese in any situation! Keep practicing, and soon it will feel natural.