はじめまして
The English phrase 'hello for the first time' is translated into Japanese as はじめまして.
はじめまして means 'Nice to meet you'. It is used exclusively during the very first encounter with someone. It is not used for subsequent meetings.
Which one should you use?
While はじめまして is the standard greeting, it is more formal than simply saying こんにちは (hello) when meeting someone for the first time.
Did you know?
- The concept of 'first-time' encounters in Japan often involves a heavy emphasis on the 'ichi-go ichi-e' philosophy, which means 'one time, one meeting'.
- To complete the introduction, the phrase はじめまして is typically paired with よろしくお願いします, a phrase that has no direct English translation but asks for the other person's future favor.
- In a business context, はじめまして is almost always followed by the exchange of 名刺 (business cards), which are presented and received with both hands.
Examples in context
- はじめまして、よろしくお願いします。Hajimemashite, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Hello for the first time, nice to meet you.
- はじめまして、お会いできて光栄です。Hajimemashite, oaidekite kouei desu.Hello for the first time, it is an honor to meet you.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta meet for the first time at a party.
- 結衣 Yuiはじめまして。結衣です。Hajimemashite. Yui desu.Nice to meet you. I'm Yui.
- 健太 Kentaはじめまして、健太です。Hajimemashite, Kenta desu.Nice to meet you, I'm Kenta.
- 結衣 Yuiよろしくお願いします。Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.It's a pleasure to meet you.
- 健太 Kentaこちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.The pleasure is mine.
