What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ジョンです literally translates to "John is" because the subject "I" is often omitted in Japanese when it is clear from the context.
Which one should you use?
While ジョンです is the default, there are several ways to express this depending on how formal or casual you wish to be. For a more formal setting, you can say Watashi wa John desu, or use the even more polite versions Watashi wa John to mōshimasu. or John to mōshimasu. which translate to "I am called John." In informal settings, you might use Ore wa John. or John da. The form ジョンだ is a more casual, blunt version used among friends or in certain masculine speech styles.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal setting, you can say Watashi wa John desu, or use Watashi wa John to mōshimasu. or John to mōshimasu. For casual or informal situations, you can use Ore wa John, John da, or the blunt ジョンだ.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the phrase to the past tense, replace the copula desu with deshita (e.g., ジョンでした to say "I was John"). Also, note that da is the casual version of desu and is common in spoken Japanese.
How do you pronounce it?
jon desu
Did you know?
- In professional settings, you might skip your name and say Yoroshiku onegaishimasu instead. This phrase means 'please treat me well' and serves as a way to introduce yourself by establishing a future relationship.
- In very formal Japanese introductions, it is common to accompany the phrase with a bow, where the depth of the bend indicates the social distance between the two people.
- If you are introducing yourself in a business setting, you should almost always say your family name before your given name. Using your first name immediately, such as 'John', can feel inappropriately intimate or even rude.
Examples in context
- 私はジョンです。I am John.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase ジョンです.Tatoeba #1719763 by Zaghawa, translation #737639 by CN
- はじめまして、ジョンです。Hajimemashite, Jon desu.Nice to meet you, I am John.
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki meet for the first time at a party.
- 美咲 Misakiはじめまして。お名前は何ですか？Hajimemashite. Onamae wa nan desu ka?Nice to meet you. What is your name?
- 陽太 Yotaジョンです。Jon desu.I am John.
- 美咲 Misakiジョンさんですね。私は美咲です。Jon-san desu ne. Watashi wa Misaki desu.You are John. I am Misaki.
- 陽太 Yota美咲さん、よろしくお願いします。Misaki-san, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Misaki, nice to meet you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
