What does it mean word for word?
In the more formal version, こんにちは、私の名前はアンソニーです, the word watashi means "I" or "me" and namae means "name". The particle wa serves as the topic marker. In the more casual version, よー、僕の名前はアンソニー, the word boku is used, which is a pronoun for "I" or "me" typically used by males.
Which one should you use?
The polite version こんにちは、アンソニーです uses the polite copula desu. In contrast, replacing desu with da (as in アンソニーだ) makes the introduction much more casual and blunt, which is typically reserved for close friends or subordinates.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
こんにちは、アンソニーです is a polite form that is suitable for meeting people for the first time in most social settings. For a highly formal introduction, you can say こんにちは、私の名前はアンソニーです。 For a very informal greeting, such as "Yo, my name is Anthony", you can use よー、僕の名前はアンソニー」。
How does it change in a sentence?
The word desu is a polite copula that functions similarly to the English verb "to be" in the present tense.
How do you pronounce it?
konnichiwa, ansonii desu
When do people say it?
When introducing yourself in a formal setting, remember to bow slightly as a sign of respect.
Did you know?
- In a business context, a Japanese person will often introduce themselves by their family name first and their given name second, which is the opposite of the English order.
- When introducing yourself, it is common to use はじめまして, which literally means 'it is the first time', rather than a standard greeting like 'hello'.
- Depending on the speaker's gender and desired level of masculinity, they might choose between わたし, ぼく or the rougher おれ to say 'I'.
Examples in context
- こんにちは、アンソニーです。よろしくお願いします。Konnichiwa, Ansonii desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Hi, my name is Anthony. Nice to meet you.
- はじめまして。こんにちは、アンソニーです。Hajimemashite. Konnichiwa, Ansonii desu.Nice to meet you. Hi, my name is Anthony.
Example conversation
Anthony is introducing himself to a new classmate.
- 健太 Kentaこんにちは、アンソニーです。Konnichiwa, Ansonii desu.Hi, my name is Anthony.
- 結衣 Yuiこんにちは！結衣です。Konnichiwa! Yui desu.Hi! I'm Yui.
- 健太 Kenta結衣さん、よろしくお願いします。Yui-san, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Nice to meet you, Yui.
- 結衣 Yuiこちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Nice to meet you too.
