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My name is ... in Japanese
Japanese self-introductions are short and polite. Many people simply say their name followed by です, or use the humble 申します in business.
私の名前は___です
watashi no namae wa ___ desu
Japanese
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanisation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 私の名前は___です | watashi no namae wa ___ desu | Polite and neutral. Fine in nearly every situation. |
| ___と申します | Humble and formal. Used when meeting clients, in interviews and in formal self-introductions. |
A short introduction
- A: こんにちは (konnichiwa)
- A: お名前は何ですか？ (o namae wa nan desu ka?)
- B: 私の名前は___です (watashi no namae wa ___ desu)
Pronunciation and tips
- The は in 私の名前は is pronounced "wa" because it is a grammar particle.
- A name written in Latin letters can be left as it is. Many people also write it in katakana, which spells out the sounds.
- A short bow while you speak is natural; it matters more than the exact wording.
More about the language: Japanese phrasebook. Want a card to share? Make your name card.
Mini quiz
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Questions
Do I translate my name into Japanese?
No. Say your name the way you normally do and fit it into the sentence: 私の名前は[your name]です. Names are not translated.
Is there a formal way to say it in Japanese?
Polite and neutral. Fine in nearly every situation. Humble and formal. Used when meeting clients, in interviews and in formal self-introductions.