Translation guide
How to introduce yourself naturally in Japanese, covering formal and casual situations, name, affiliation, and common set phrases.
To say who you are when meeting someone for the first time.
A standard, polite way to say 'I will introduce myself' before giving your name and details. Often used at the start of a formal self-introduction.
では、自己紹介します。私は田中です。
Well then, let me introduce myself. I'm Tanaka.
Literally 'for the first time', this is the standard greeting when meeting someone for the first time. It is often followed by your name and a phrase like 'よろしくお願いします'.
初めまして、山田と申します。
Nice to meet you, my name is Yamada.
A humble way to give your name. Use this in formal situations or when speaking to superiors. Replace 〜 with your name.
私は鈴木と申します。
I am Suzuki.
A simple, neutral way to state your name. Suitable for most everyday situations. Replace 〜 with your name.
私は田中です。
I'm Tanaka.
A slightly more formal version of 〜です, meaning 'I am called ~'. Common in semi-formal introductions.
私はジョンと言います。
My name is John.
To mention your company, school, or position when introducing yourself.
Pattern to state your affiliation followed by your name. Replace 〜 with your company/school, and ［名前］ with your name.
ABC会社の田中です。
I'm Tanaka from ABC Company.
Use this to say where you are from (country, city, etc.). Often used in casual or semi-formal settings.
アメリカから来ました。
I'm from the United States.
Means 'I work at ~'. Use to introduce your workplace.
銀行で働いています。
I work at a bank.
To introduce yourself in informal settings, such as among friends or peers.
Even in casual situations, 〜です is common. You can drop the subject and just say your name + です.
田中です。よろしく。
I'm Tanaka. Nice to meet you.
Very casual, used among close friends. Men use it more often. Replace 〜 with your name.
俺、健太だよ。
I'm Kenta.
To say 'nice to meet you' or ask for kind treatment after introducing yourself.
A set phrase used after introducing yourself. It literally means 'please treat me favorably' and is essential in Japanese introductions.
初めまして、田中です。よろしくお願いします。
Nice to meet you, I'm Tanaka. I look forward to working with you.
Used in response to よろしくお願いします, meaning 'likewise' or 'the pleasure is mine'.
A: よろしくお願いします。B: こちらこそ。
A: Nice to meet you. B: Likewise.
The English phrase 'introduce oneself' is not a single verb in Japanese. Instead, use set expressions like 自己紹介します or 初めまして. Avoid literal translations like 自分を紹介する, which sound unnatural.
In Japan, a slight bow often accompanies a self-introduction. The depth of the bow depends on the formality of the situation. A nod or small bow is fine for casual settings.
自己紹介します。
Let me introduce myself.
初めまして、ジョンです。よろしくお願いします。
Hi, I'm John. Nice to meet you.