初めまして、リリーです
hajimemashite, rirī desu
The English phrase "hi, my name is lily" is translated into Japanese as 初めまして、リリーです (hajimemashite, rirī desu).
This phrase is a greeting used when introducing oneself to someone for the first time. The component 初めまして translates to "Nice to meet you" and is used specifically at the very beginning of a first-time encounter. It is not used for subsequent meetings. The name "Lily" is written in Katakana as リリー.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 初めまして、リリーです is a polite and standard way to introduce oneself in most social or business situations. For an informal and casual version suitable only for peers or younger people, you can replace です with だ, resulting in リリーだ.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle です functions as the copula "to be" and is used here to state "is Lily". You may also encounter the honorific さん, which can be added after a name, such as リリーさん.
How do you pronounce it?
hajimemashite, rirī desu
Did you know?
- In formal Japanese business settings, people often omit their own name and instead use their company name and department first, as the organization is considered more important than the individual.
- The phrase 初めまして is derived from the verb 始める, meaning 'to begin'. It literally signifies that this is the 'beginning' of a relationship.
- In many Japanese social contexts, it is common to perform a slight bow while saying 初めまして to show respect. The depth of the bow often reflects the level of formality required by the situation.
Examples in context
- はじめまして、リリーと申します。Hi, my name is Lily.
- 初めまして、リリーです。よろしくお願いします。Hajimemashite, Rirī desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Hi, my name is Lily. Nice to meet you.
- 初めまして、リリーです。日本に来たばかりです。Hajimemashite, Rirī desu. Nihon ni kita bakari desu.Hi, my name is Lily. I just arrived in Japan.
Example conversation
Two students are meeting for the first time in a classroom.
- 美咲 Misaki初めまして、リリーです。Hajimemashite, Rirī desu.Hi, my name is Lily.
- 大翔 Hiroto初めまして。大翔です。Hajimemashite. Daigto desu.Nice to meet you. I'm Daigto.
- 美咲 Misakiよろしくお願いします、大翔さん。Yoroshiku onegaishimasu, Daigto-san.Pleased to meet you, Daigto.
- 大翔 Hirotoこちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Likewise, pleased to meet you.
